The Game of a Legendary Genius Dark Mage

Chapter 20

1.

In Persville and other tutorial villages, every first town featured a Job Training Center.

As the name suggested, these centers allowed players to advance their jobs and provided training tailored to their chosen class.

What made these centers particularly interesting was the existence of tiers:

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Superior

Elite

A total of five tiers.

The higher the tier, the more and better skills players could learn.

For example, at a Beginner Training Center, players might learn two or three basic skills of Normal grade. At an Intermediate Training Center, they could learn five of the same grade.

With a greater number of skills came exponentially increased versatility, making these centers invaluable for all players.

Reaching the Intermediate Tier was relatively easy.

Most players completed a simple quest and progressed to it effortlessly.

Choosing to stay at the Beginner level was rare since Intermediate centers included all skills from the Beginner tier.

But what about the Advanced Tier?

“Ugh, I failed the Advanced exam again.”

“Again? How many times is that?”

“Four tries…”

“Yikes, that’s rough.”

“I know, right?”

Many players repeatedly attempted the Advanced test, yet only a handful succeeded.

Unlike the Intermediate tier, where quests sufficed, Advanced centers required players to pass a test—a practical exam tailored to their class.

If they failed to meet the standards, they couldn’t pass, no matter how many attempts they made.

“Why not just settle for Intermediate?”

“Are you kidding? Advanced gives you the chance to upgrade one basic skill to Rare grade! How could I quit?!”

“Yeah, that’s a good point.”

Starting at the Advanced tier, one of the five basic skills learned was upgraded to Rare grade. For players without connections to hidden pieces, these centers were like an oasis in the desert.

The Superior Tier went even further, upgrading two skills to Rare. It was no wonder players endured repeated failures to keep trying.

For many first-town players, attempting to advance tiers was a daily routine.

Most gave up by level 20 when they realized they wouldn’t make it and moved on.

As a side note, Bezron, who had attacked Seonghyeon, was a graduate of the Advanced Training Center.

But if Superior centers granted two Rare skills, what about the Elite Tier?

“Hey, has anyone entered the Elite Training Center lately?”

“No idea. Have there been any recent entries?”

“Dunno. I think I heard there’s one here in Persville, though.”

“Wow, lucky them.”

“Seriously. If you get in, all five basic skills are upgraded to Rare. That’s insane.”

An upgrade of all five basic skills to Rare grade?

It gave players an incredible advantage, setting them far ahead right from the start.

But the opportunity was fair—only skill and effort determined success. Those who couldn’t make the cut had no one to blame but themselves.

As lines formed outside various training centers, filled with chatter and banter, one person quietly approached the entrance to the Elite Training Center.

“Yo, is that guy trying for the Elite tier? Think he’ll make it?”

“Pfft! Look at his wrists.”

“What? Whoa, no bracelets?!”

“Yeah, means he hasn’t even been to the Beginner or Intermediate centers. First attempt at the Elite tier? Ridiculous.”

Approaching the Elite center out of curiosity wasn’t uncommon. Many naive players tried it at least once before realizing how impossible it was.

Most players watched to see how quickly such attempts ended in failure.

“Wanna bet on how long he lasts before getting kicked out?”

“Ooh, sounds fun!”

“I’m guessing 10 minutes!”

“No way, I say 3 minutes!”

“I’ll take 1 minute!”

“Pfft, 1 minute? That’s too short! Haha!”

The mocking intensified because of the would-be challenger’s appearance. His strikingly handsome features invited jealousy, fueling the teasing.

Meanwhile, the guards stationed at the entrance of the Elite Training Center noticed the lack of bracelets on his wrists.

Like the other players, they assumed he was clueless.

“Another ignorant outsider, huh?”

“Should we explain? Seems like he doesn’t understand where he is.”

Though the guards didn’t openly mock him, they shared the same dismissive attitude.

“This is the Elite Training Center,” one guard said, emphasizing the word. “Not just anyone can pass through here.”

“I see you haven’t even been to the Beginner or Intermediate centers. Perhaps you should start there first?”

The disdain in their tone was clear.

Most players would have felt insulted and snapped back in anger.

But this challenger calmly reached into his pocket and handed them a piece of paper.

“Here.”

“Hah.”

Occasionally, players handed over bribes or dubious papers, assuming it would get them in.

The guard accepted it with a smirk, ready to rebuke the arrogance.

But as his eyes scanned the document, they widened in shock. He looked back and forth between the paper and the challenger, his jaw dropping.

“T-this is?!”

His reaction drew the attention of the other guard, who walked over curiously.

“What’s wrong? What did he—huh?!”

The second guard mirrored the first, staring at the paper in disbelief.

Farther away, the players watching the scene grew puzzled.

“What’s going on? Why are they acting like that?”

“No idea. Did he bribe them or something?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. They wouldn’t take bribes.”

“How would you know?”

“…Just trust me.”

As the spectators whispered among themselves, the guards’ demeanor shifted entirely.

Bowing deeply to the handsome challenger, they spoke with utmost respect.

“P-please, go right in.”

“Our apologies for not recognizing you.”

The challenger smiled lightly and entered without issue, leaving the guards wiping sweat from their brows.

The players were left dumbfounded.

“What the hell just happened?”

“Who is that guy?”

“No clue…”

The Elite Training Center guards, known for their no-nonsense attitude, had treated the bracelet-less newcomer with reverence.

In a world where skill was everything, such treatment could only mean one thing:

Whoever he was, his ability was extraordinary.

And to top it off, he was stunningly handsome.

“…Please, at least let him be short.”

“Don’t go there. That’s too much.”

“Sniff. Fine.”

That day, many male players shed tears of envy outside the training center.

2.

Yun was a talented player, and anyone could see it.

She thought so too, as her exceptional abilities had been evident since the beginner’s village.

While others struggled to hunt rabbits, Yun had done so effortlessly, her movements elegant and composed.

Unlike players who relied on mobbing or teamwork, she singlehandedly dispatched prey with precision.

Taking down a rabbit in one attempt wasn’t definitive proof of talent, but skilled players tended to achieve it.

Yun recognized her own gift.

“I have talent!”

Her friends agreed, which only bolstered her confidence.

Within days, that confidence grew into pride, reshaping her perspective.

What if I’m not talented after all?

She never entertained such doubts. The evidence around her was overwhelming.

Watching videos of rookie players on broadcasts only cemented her belief.

“Why did I only start now?”

Her self-reproach for starting late revealed just how deeply she believed in her abilities.

The class she chose? Dark Mage.

Why? Because it exuded elegance.

Close-combat classes, always sweating and struggling, weren’t for her.

Neither were ranged classes, reliant on protection from melee fighters.

Yun wanted to command an undead army, embodying a one-person legion.

Her choice felt perfect.

“This suits me so well!”

Leading her undead minions in battle, Yun’s abilities shone brightly even in Persville.

She surpassed most players, even those who had already grown stronger through skills.

After completing the Intermediate Training Center, she challenged the Elite Training Center.

It took her two attempts, but she succeeded—an impressive feat by any standard.

However, those two attempts left a blemish on her pride.

“I need to do better.”

Her pride turned into determination, pushing her to improve.

This motivation led her to remarkable growth.

Still, even Yun couldn’t escape the rigorous standards of the Elite Training Center’s instructors.

Each class lasted precisely one hour per day.

Despite her rapid skill acquisition, the professor remained unimpressed.

“Hm, you haven’t mastered it yet?”

“Just how much do I have to explain for you to understand?”

“Did you miss this part?”

The professor’s tone wasn’t condescending but genuinely baffled, like a genius unable to grasp how someone could fail to comprehend their teachings.

Such reactions became frequent, making Yun increasingly sensitive.

This is ridiculous.

It wasn’t just that she couldn’t believe she was being dismissed—it was that the professor was right.

Despite her skills, the professor was clearly a genius, and Yun, despite outperforming the average student, still struggled to earn his approval.

Her research online confirmed she was far ahead of her peers, but that knowledge brought no comfort.

Determined to earn recognition, Yun arrived at class with renewed resolve. She was ready to improve faster than the day before.

But just as the lesson was about to begin, there was a knock at the door.

Who could it be?

Yun’s curiosity was answered when the professor said, “Come in.”

Shortly after, the door opened, and a man entered.

Another user in Persville’s Elite Training Center for Dark Mages? Yun had thought she was the only one.

3.

Unaware of the buzz he had caused outside, Seonghyeon entered the Elite Training Center, holding the letter tightly in his hand.

The building was medieval in design, but large and spacious. Each room bore plaques indicating their respective class specializations.

Seonghyeon headed toward the room labeled:

『Elite』 Dark Mage Training Center

The word Elite was prominently emphasized. Approaching the door, he knocked lightly.

Knock, knock.

A moment later, a stern yet cold voice called out, “Come in.”

The voice carried a faint air of strictness.

This professor might be intense, Seonghyeon thought, stepping inside with a mix of anticipation and caution.

The interior was unexpectedly pleasant, resembling a spacious university lecture hall. It could easily accommodate fifty people, but the room was nearly empty.

Just the professor and… one user?

The professor was an older man with an NPC marker above his head. His appearance radiated discipline and severity. He seemed the type to demand perfection.

The user, a woman, had sharp features and an air of pride. She looked confident and capable but also exuded a certain edginess.

Her piercing gaze landed on Seonghyeon the moment he walked in, filled with a mixture of wariness and annoyance.

Why is she glaring at me?

Seonghyeon hadn’t done anything yet.

The woman’s expression seemed to convey a mixture of pride, apprehension, and perhaps a touch of wounded ego.

The professor broke the silence. “Are you here after passing the test?”

“Huh? Oh, well…”

“No bracelet, I see. It seems you’ve attempted the Elite tier on your first try. You must have significant talent.”

…Does he even listen to people?

The professor’s assumption prompted another sharp glare from the female user.

Ignoring her, Seonghyeon calmly extended the letter.

“Actually, I came with this.”

“Hm?”

The professor took the letter, his expression shifting as his eyes widened in disbelief.

What’s with everyone and this paper?

First the guards, now this strict professor—both reacted as though the letter were some kind of holy artifact.

Was Mayor Palm of Hindel Village secretly a powerful figure?

Before Seonghyeon could contemplate further, the professor’s demeanor changed completely.

“Welcome! I could tell right away that your aura was extraordinary! Ahahaha!”

“Uh… Thank you.”

Seonghyeon replied modestly, feeling a bit awkward.

Meanwhile, Yun’s glare intensified, her eyes now filled with astonishment, envy, and disbelief.

Great. I just wanted a quiet learning environment… Guess that’s not happening.

Resigned, Seonghyeon scratched his cheek as the professor continued.

“Well then, take a seat next to Yun over there.”

Seonghyeon didn’t need to ask who Yun was—there was only one other person in the room.

As he took his seat, Yun shifted slightly, deliberately putting distance between them.

What’s her problem?

Seonghyeon couldn’t figure out why she was acting so cold. He decided to let it go; it wasn’t worth the effort.

At the same time, Yun shot Seonghyeon a sidelong glare, her frustration mounting.

This is infuriating.

She wasn’t angry at anything Seonghyeon had done directly. What bothered her was the sudden appearance of someone else in her exclusive space.

This was my classroom.

It wasn’t outright hatred; her sense of uniqueness had been disrupted.

Initially, she considered letting it slide. He was handsome enough, after all.

But the professor’s comment about Seonghyeon’s talent reignited her irritation.

“Please don’t go saying things like that to just anyone, Professor.”

The compliment felt hollow, as though it was given indiscriminately.

And when the professor reacted to the letter with such awe, Yun’s annoyance turned into anger.

He got in without even taking the test?!

She couldn’t ignore the blatant unfairness.

Unlike her, who had passed the grueling entrance exam, he seemed to have bypassed it entirely with some kind of special quest.

And then came the compliments.

The professor’s never said anything like that to me!

Not once had the professor praised her in that way.

Fine. I’ll prove I’m better. Just watch.

Determined to outshine Seonghyeon, Yun resolved to master the lessons faster than him and demonstrate her superiority.

Meanwhile, Seonghyeon remained unaware of her growing rivalry.

“Let me reintroduce myself for Seonghyeon’s sake. I am Urden Python, the instructor for the Elite Dark Mage Training Center,” the professor said, beginning the lesson.

As the class started, Yun’s resolve solidified.

I’ll crush him. There’s no way he can keep up.

While Yun steeled herself for a competition Seonghyeon didn’t know existed, he scratched his cheek awkwardly—not because of Yun but because of a familiar voice.

“So, this is where you’ll be learning Dark Magic? Sounds fun. Want me to give you a few tips?”

He turned his head slightly, knowing exactly who it was without needing to look.

Helena stood beside him, her radiant smile as captivating as ever.

Yun, completely ignored by Seonghyeon, wasn’t even a blip on his radar.

What am I supposed to do with her now? Seonghyeon thought, feeling both amused and exasperated.