I Became the Academy’s Disabled Student Chapter 176

I followed Professor Alida out of the room.

Behind her, the cadets walked in an orderly line.

I too followed her, letting the wind lightly lift my body.

“Although I said ‘outside,’ there’s plenty to show you inside as well,” Professor Alida began, her voice calm but engaging. She seed eager to keep us entertained before our arrival.

“This facility is a monster research center built within Siyoram. To ensure smooth acquisition of data and specins, we also conduct breeding here… Now, here’s a question.”

The professor, whose footsteps had echoed rhythmically monts ago, raised a finger abruptly.

“How many years has it been since the Great Cataclysm?”

“Exactly 200 years!”

The response ca imdiately. The professor smiled and wagged her finger approvingly.

“Quick and correct! Your na?”

“Bella Aletova, from Cheongmyeong class!”

“I’ll rember that for a reward later. Was this question a bit too traditional? My apologies, but it’s certainly an effective way to elicit answers.”

Professor Alida chuckled sheepishly before continuing, “Let’s return to the topic. The Great Cataclysm occurred 200 years ago and refers to the chain reaction of dungeon surges that spanned the entire world.”

The Great Cataclysm. It’s a term that shows up in nearly every history book, a defining event that reshaped the world into its current state.

The chain reaction of dungeon surges that followed… At this point, my expression twisted involuntarily.

I couldn’t help but recall my own experiences with dungeon surges—two in particular, one in Sifnaha and another in China.

In Sifnaha, I was nearly beaten to death by Aerus, while in China, I barely survived poisoning from a two-headed venom dragon. Neither mory was pleasant. The latter, having happened more recently, left feeling particularly unsettled.

Despite my internal frustration, the professor’s explanation continued.

“History books generally describe it as follows:”

The Great Cataclysm led to the sudden ergence of dungeons worldwide. These dungeons surged uncontrollably, releasing monsters that wreaked havoc on humanity…

“...or so they say. While not incorrect, it’s not entirely accurate either. Bella Aletova, do you happen to know why?”

“Uh… I don’t,” Bella stamred, her earlier confidence faltering as she darted her eyes nervously.

The professor chuckled softly, seemingly amused.

“Official records indicate that monsters existed even before the Great Cataclysm.”

“What?”

“To be precise, they were animals and plants transford by exposure to mana,” the professor explained, eliciting wide-eyed reactions from many cadets. Pleased by the visible astonishnt, she nodded.

“The earliest recorded monster was an electric mouse. Following that was a gorilla capable of manipulating earth as if it were armor.”

The mouse likely had a unique ability akin to ‘Electric Discharge,’ while the gorilla probably exhibited a skill such as ‘Earth Manipulation.’

“There were also creatures like a dog that emitted flas from its mouth and a cat that could slash the air with wind-infused claws. They were considered inexplicable anomalies in the pre-Cataclysm era.”

The term “monster,” coined by influential nations at the ti, gradually beca the universal designation for such beings.

“In summary, mana existed even before the Great Cataclysm, and so animals and plants transford into monsters due to its influence. In academic circles, we refer to these creatures as ‘primal species.’”

After delivering this significant revelation, Professor Alida paused and glanced at the cadets following her.

So appeared stunned as if processing groundbreaking information, while others remained nonchalant, likely already aware.

Hong Yeonhwa and Baek Arin seed unperturbed, suggesting they had learned this during their heir training.

Elia, on the other hand, seed intrigued but not overly impressed—more of an “oh, that’s interesting” reaction.

As her gaze swept over the cadets, Professor Alida eventually landed on . Noticing my indifferent expression, she clicked her tongue in disappointnt before turning back to face forward.

“This is getting tedious, isn’t it? To get to the point…”

Step.

Professor Alida halted abruptly. After surveying her surroundings briefly, she turned to face the cadets with a serious expression.

“Monster research, in so ways, can be utterly pointless.”

“Huh?”

One cadet responded dumbfoundedly, clearly taken aback by the unexpected conclusion.

“Ahaha, was that too abrupt? Allow to elaborate,” the professor said with a shrug, pointing around her.

The cadets followed her gesture, their eyes drawn to a glass wall.

We had descended underground without noticing.

The basent was structured as a long, grid-like facility. Behind each glass partition were various types of monsters, so pacing, others resting.

“Monsters co in countless forms, evolving for a myriad of reasons. So are born as mutants, others transform due to dungeons, unique abilities, or physical growth…”

Mutations, dungeon influences, innate abilities, physical maturation…

“As such, years of painstakingly gathered data often beco useless at critical monts. Yet! Despite that, researchers like myself remain committed to studying monsters in hopes of discovering sothing valuable.”

Clap!

The professor clapped her hands enthusiastically, her energy dispelling the earlier somberness.

“This lecture, Monster Training and Counterasures, is designed to help you study the accumulated data, practice handling monsters directly, and even learn breeding techniques.”

“May I ask a question?”

“Of course. What’s your na, cadet?”

“From the Honors class…”

The lecture overview concluded, and the cadets, their interest piqued, began bombarding the professor with questions. She answered each one diligently, clearly enjoying the interaction.

Hong Yeonhwa, however, seed disinterested. Although she listened attentively, she didn’t appear compelled to ask anything.

“Yawn…”

Eventually, she stifled a yawn, subtly turning her head and covering her mouth with her hand to avoid drawing attention.

Her gaze shifted, eting mine.

When I looked directly at Hong Yeonhwa, our eyes locked.

Her jewel-like eyes widened in surprise, and her delicate features flushed pink, her earlobes and cheeks heating visibly.

Floating at eye level thanks to the wind, I could clearly observe her reaction.

“Um… well…”

Her voice trembled with embarrassnt and confusion.

Amused by her flustered deanor, I tilted my head and leaned in slightly.

Smooch.

A soft sound followed as her warm lips brushed against mine briefly, leaving a lingering warmth and a faint, fragrant scent.

Pulling back, I felt a peculiar mixture of shyness and satisfaction, my chest tingling warmly.

I glanced at Hong Yeonhwa, her expression frozen in shock, her mouth slightly agape.

“Hehe.”

Her reaction was so endearing that I couldn’t help but giggle, covering my mouth as laughter bubbled out.

“Ugh… ha…”

Hong Yeonhwa suddenly let out a strained groan, her eyes squeezing shut. Startled, I rushed to her side.

“Yeonhwa… Are you okay?”

Gripping her arm, I shook her gently, ready to activate synchronization if necessary.

Her crimson eyes fluttered open, gazing at with a dazed expression.

“It's... overwhelming...”

“Huh?”

A flicker of fla surged within her, hotter and denser than usual. Tilting my head, I observed it curiously.

“Yeonhwa? Why are you… Wait, hold on—what the hell!”

Baek Arin, who had been watching with a strange look, suddenly panicked and reached out. Placing her hand on Yeonhwa’s back, she channeled the icy energy of Changae into her.

Sizzle.

The sticky, flickering flas of Guhwa slowly subsided under Changae’s suppression, regaining their forr calm.

Blinking at the unexpected commotion, I glanced around. A few cadets had noticed the disturbance and were watching us curiously, including Professor Alida.

“Ah, this is awkward.”

Professor Alida, adjusting her round glasses, wore an indescribable expression.

The commotion subsided, but Professor Alida's lecture continued.

Groooan…

A lump of darkness squird, emitting a strange sound that tickled the ears.

Suddenly, a long, protruding limb erged from the mass.

A coarse, gray outer shell stretched from the pitch-black blob. Legs extended from every direction to support its body, and a long neck jutted out from the front.

“A turtle?”

One cadet murmured. As if in response, the creature’s eyelids peeled back, revealing glowing yellow eyes.

“Correct. This is a Black Iron Turtle, classified as a standard Rank-6 monster,” Professor Alida nodded, tapping on the glass wall.

Groooarrr...

The turtle’s maw opened sluggishly, releasing a deep, guttural sound. Its shell glead under the light, the dark, tallic sheen resembling black iron spikes, exuding a nacing aura.

“As I said, this is a Black Iron Turtle, a general term for creatures of similar characteristics,” Alida continued.

Hearing the na sparked a peculiar sense of familiarity. I’d hunted countless Black Iron Turtles in the original story.

“They’re called ‘Black Iron’ because their rough shells are composed of Black Iron Ore,” the professor explained.

Black Iron.

A type of ore discovered after the Great Cataclysm, infused with mana and nad for its dark, tallic appearance resembling iron.

“Thanks to its high concentration of Black Iron, it’s like a fortress on legs.”

Black Iron is widely used in armant manufacturing.

It’s not a particularly challenging material to work with—simply lting and hamring it yields serviceable weapons.

While not indestructible, it’s reasonably sturdy and conducts mana well. Moreover, it’s relatively easy to acquire.

Black Iron Turtles are not uncommon. Dungeons around the world serve as official breeding grounds for them.

The ore itself is also mined from quarries, ensuring a steady supply.

In short, it’s a cost-effective material—sturdy, mana-conductive, and inexpensive. It’s perfect for crafting multiple backup weapons.

During my second playthrough of the original story, I specialized in one-on-one combat and personally crafted equipnt using Black Iron.

“Would anyone like to try handling it directly?”

After her brief explanation, Professor Alida posed an unexpected question.

“Wait, is that even allowed? What if it’s accidentally killed?”

“We have plenty of Black Iron Turtles, and that one isn’t particularly special, so it’s no problem,” the professor replied nonchalantly to the cadet’s worried inquiry.

“Important specins are carefully protected, so there’s nothing to worry about,” she reassured.

So cadets seed tempted, pondering the opportunity. With the professor’s approval and assurances of safety, it was hard to resist.

[“I’d like to try.”]

“Excellent. What’s your na, cadet?”

[“Lee Hayul.”]

“Ahem… Alright, Cadet Lee Hayul. Step forward.”

I raised my hand. Despite my extensive experience hunting Black Iron Turtles in the original story, I’d never faced one in person.

This seed like the perfect chance to compare reality with what I knew.

The professor’s tone hesitated briefly, but she accepted my request.

As the cadets turned their attention to , their expressions were odd—filled with worry and apprehension.

I couldn’t help but find it absurd. Sure, I looked like a fragile child now, but I’d killed a Two-Headed Venom Dragon—a formidable high-rank monster!

Granted, it was weakened due to its undead state, but still, it was a dragon! And yet, these people were looking at like I was a helpless child charging into danger.

Pouting, I glanced down at myself. My short limbs, pale, smooth skin, and petite fra that looked like it belonged in soone’s protective embrace…

Alright, I admit, I look unreliable. But looks can be deceiving!

“Hayul, are you sure about this?”

“Are you confident? In your current state...”

“Wouldn’t it be better to wait a bit before trying?”

[“Don’t worry. I won’t get hurt.”]

“You say that, but rember what state you ca back in last ti?”

[“I’m sorry…”]

Even Hong Yeonhwa, Baek Arin, and Elia—who knew my capabilities—expressed concern.

Still, I genuinely wanted to experience it, so I stepped forward confidently.

The professor pulled a bracelet from her coat, an artifact with embedded protective features.

“This is a protective artifact. It won’t fail, so don’t worry,” she said, approaching to fasten it on .

She rolled up my sleeve, revealing the silvery prosthetic arm beneath. Her eyes briefly twitched, but she quickly regained composure.

“Proceed with the exercise.”

The professor fastened the bracelet and adjusted my sleeve. I nodded, ready to begin.

The glass wall slid open, creating a small entryway. Once I stepped inside, the door sealed shut behind .

Grrr...

The Black Iron Turtle bared its teeth as I intruded into its territory.

Its massive, boar-like tusks glead nacingly, radiating heat waves.

‘Observation Authority.’

I activated my observation ability, scanning the Black Iron Turtle down to its smallest details.

I saw mana coursing through its outer skin, its iron-infused shell, its dense muscles, and its unusual skeletal structure.

Its brain was larger than expected, so vital organs were missing, and its core—a mana stone—was embedded deep within.

All the gathered information flooded my mind, but it wasn’t overwhelming. I processed it thodically, piece by piece.

Interpretation complete.

Though not taxing, such precise usage left my head feeling slightly heavy. Shaking it off, I activated my mana.

Mana surged from my core, coursing through my circuits before radiating outward.

White mana rippled like a lion’s mane around , drawing murmurs of admiration from the observers beyond the glass wall.

Even those who had been worried—Hong Yeonhwa, Baek Arin, and Elia—seed impressed.

Suppressing a smug grin, I began shaping the mana.

Vwoooom…!

Suddenly, I froze. Through my mana sensing, I detected a distinct energy fluctuation in the distance.

‘What’s that?’

A pure white aura was raging violently, distant but growing rapidly closer.

A faint sound reached my ears, followed by fragnted words from the professor’s smartwatch transmission:

“...Escape… it’s coming…!”

“What’s coming?” I muttered, confused.

The aura intensified at an alarming pace.

Boom!

A deafening explosion shattered the ceiling above, bathing the lab in red light as sirens blared.

Before I could react, a massive figure descended gracefully through the opening—a unicorn.

‘Wow...’

I forgot the situation entirely, entranced.

The creature was enormous, at least two or three tis the size of a normal horse. Its snow-white fur glead, and its luxurious mane billowed gracefully.

Its most striking feature was its horn—a colossal spiral that could impale a line of people effortlessly.

The unicorn’s mana was pure, reminiscent of my own from earlier days—pristine and untouched.

It stepped forward, its eyes radiating calm yet inexplicable friendliness.

I instinctively extended a hand.

Snort.

[“Huh?”]

The unicorn gently clamped its teeth around the back of my neck—not painfully, but as if handling sothing precious.

Before I knew it, my body went limp, the scene resembling a mother cat carrying her kitten.

With no hesitation, the unicorn leapt back through the hole in the ceiling, taking with it.

‘What…?’

A question mark floated above my head.