The Hunter Aptitude Test

Honestly, I'd never had any talent for physical stuff. So when the punch machine test came up, I fully expected my own hand to hurt more than the machine ever would. The device hummed deeply.... But because of the tutorial perk that had suddenly activated, my pathetic little punch ended up shattering the entire machine.

"I definitely heard he was a taming ability user...?"

"Um, isn't the information wrong?"

"The report was written by Do Seong-a herself. That can't be right."

Of course, it wasn't the researchers' fault. They'd only been running the physical test as a formality out of consideration for how frail I looked. None of them could have predicted it would turn out like this.

Still, after the clearly expensive equipment broke, their faces had grown so gloomy that I couldn't help but read the room. 'How can you make me use my ability without any warning!'

I silently scolded the status window floating in front of me, and soon a new message appeared.

It was a relief to be able to choose whether I used the abilities or not, but the water had already been spilled. I didn't think it could be taken back... or so I believed.

It seemed it was possible after all.

"U-um, excuse me. Researchers?"

"Y-yes! Yeon-woo, sir!"

"Why are you both making those faces?"

I quietly approached the two researchers who had been deep in discussion with serious expressions. I reached a hand toward the broken punch machine and spoke softly.

"Well, it's because you just... huh?"

"W-what the...?"

The researchers looked up at my words and their eyes widened, mouths falling open at the sight of the now perfectly repaired punch machine and reinforced wall.

"D-don't tell me... you did that too, Yeon-woo?"

"You even have an Object Restoration ability...?"

It was good that I'd stopped them from having to write incident reports, but the atmosphere had become strangely heavy.

"I-it was like that from the beginning..."

"What? Didn't you just break it, Yeon-woo?"

"H-how could I possibly break something like that?"

Since this was a closed-door test anyway and no evidence remained, I decided to play dumb and put on my brightest, most innocent smile.

"...Was it a dream?"

"Man, maybe I've been working too many night shifts..."

When I acted like that, the two researchers stared at each other blankly for a moment before rubbing their dark-circled eyes.

"N-no, that can't be. Yeon-woo! Please hit this with all your strength!"

"Huh?"

"Get ready... and strike!"

Having snapped back to their senses, they dragged me back in front of the punch machine and began cheering me on again.

"Ouch..."

"T-take a deep breath! Hit it harder!"

"Y-you can do it!"

Of course the tutorial perk didn't activate this time, so my hand just hurt. But the two researchers, having witnessed a miracle once already, clearly weren't ready to give up.

"What exactly are you doing?"

Thankfully, someone arrived at the perfect moment to rescue me.

"Ah, well..."

"You're hurting Yeon-woo."

Do Seong-a approached with a terrifying aura, her face set in an icy expression that was quite different from the gentle one she showed me.

"Y-Yeon-woo just destroyed the punch machine and reinforced wall with a single punch..."

"Y-yes, that's why we were conducting additional tests..."

The researchers stumbled backward, frantically trying to explain the situation the moment they spotted her.

"......"

But the punch machine and reinforced wall looked perfectly fine, completely contradicting their story. Do Seong-a's gaze grew even colder.

"Should I invoke my guardian rights and halt the test?"

"W-we're sorry!"

"I-it seems we were mistaken."

Finally, the still-dazed researchers scratched their heads and accepted reality.

"Well, there have never been any reported cases of multiple skill holders..."

"It looks like the aftereffects of yesterday's hallucination control experiment are still lingering..."

After exchanging awkward glances, the two researchers turned back to me with gentle smiles.

"Y-Yeon-woo. Shall we move on to the next test?"

"Please come this way, Yeon-woo."

The second testing room they led me and Do Seong-a to was completely different from the first. It was filled with robots.

"You see those scary-looking androids over there?"

"Y-yes."

"They're going to fire paint rounds at you. Just dodge as many as you can."

The next test began with everyone's encouragement. From the description, it seemed to be a reaction speed test. As someone completely uncoordinated, I had no confidence in this either.

"Then, get ready..."

The protective gear was more than sufficient, so even if I got hit it probably wouldn't hurt. I waited for the signal with a nervous expression.

Another ability with an absurdly high rank appeared before my eyes.

'I'll decline!'

I had no desire to hack and destroy all the androids during a simple reaction test, so I firmly refused in my mind.

"Ow, ow ow ow!"

The next moment, I was bombarded by paint rounds flying in from every direction.

"Reaction speed... lowest rank."

"Well, that's understandable."

"You did well, Yeon-woo."

My eyebrows drooped a little from the unfairness of it all, but when I took off the protective gear, Do Seong-a gently patted my shoulder and my mood improved.

"Y-you see the starting line here?"

"Yes."

"When you hear the signal, run to the finish line on the opposite side."

The next test seemed to be a simple one measuring running speed. Before my incurable disease had worsened, running from magic beasts in the F-Sector to avoid being caught had been part of my daily life. This was one area I actually felt confident about.

"Ready..."

I swallowed dryly as I waited for the starting signal.

Beep!

Along with the starting signal, the new message blocked my vision.

"...Eek."

Thanks to that, I let out a small cry and fell face-first onto the floor.

"I think that's enough for the basic physical tests, don't you?"

"Ah, yes!"

"S-seems that way!"

Hearing Do Seong-a and the researchers' conversation, I quietly blushed. At the same time, a question began to form in my mind.

'Who are these people and why are they helping me?'

It seemed the beings lending me power through the Celestial Affection Star weren't just one, but several.

'Is it really okay to hand out tutorial perks like this for something as simple as a physical exam?'

By this point I was starting to get scared, so I asked urgently in my mind. The status window's reply was surprisingly simple.

"Still..."

I hesitated, feeling awkward, and another reply came.

I didn't fully understand what that meant, but it seemed the beings lending me power through the Celestial Affection Star wanted something from me.

'Whatever, I don't care anymore.'

From that point on, I decided to just empty my mind and enjoy myself.

"The next test is an intelligence assessment."

"Uwaah!"

"Yeon-woo, please don't run away."

The moment I made up my mind, a test that required using my head began.

*****

About an hour later.

"So... these are the basic test results?"

"Y-yes, that's correct."

"This... I expected some of it, but..."

Do Seong-a, who had been watching Yeon-woo from outside, and Gang Tae-geon, who had just arrived, received the interim results from the researchers and lowered their heads in dismay.

"Lowest endurance, lowest strength, lowest cardiorespiratory function, and immunity levels that are practically nonexistent... It's a miracle he's even alive."

"...Sigh. For a child, health is the greatest asset."

They flipped through the pages, wondering if they should start making him exercise, but the real results were only just beginning.

"Intelligence and personality test results show a complete nine-year-old child... So what he said back then wasn't true after all."

"Yeon-woo threw a tantrum saying it couldn't be true and requested several retests, but the results were the same."

The next page contained a psychological evaluation of Yeon-woo's overall mental and emotional state.

"Severe lack of general knowledge. Intelligence is surprisingly high, but the actual information he possesses is critically lacking..."

"...About what I expected."

"He sometimes shows quite mature behavior, but it ultimately leads to self-deprecating thought patterns... Sigh."

The reason, of course, was that he'd spent most of his life lying in a hospital bed without any chance at normal social interaction. On top of that, becoming younger through the Celestial Affection Star had affected his mind in various ways.

"The Rebirth Cult's danger rating is going to rise significantly this time."

"I was planning to suggest that myself."

The two of them, unaware of the full truth, simply assumed it was all due to the abuse and experiments he'd suffered at the cult.

"Is this the place where that cute little kid Seong-a brought is?"

"The rumors are already everywhere, but I haven't seen him yet. Hmph..."

"Hey, if you're coming to see a kid, at least wipe the blood ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠off your weapon first."

Just as the mood had grown a little heavy, noisy voices began ringing out from the side.

"Annoying people have shown up."

"Seong-a. They're your seniors."

"That doesn't make them any less annoying."

By now, quite a few state-affiliated veteran hunters had gathered outside the testing room where Yeon-woo's tests were taking place.

"Excuse us, we were called here too, you know."

"Yeah. They even told us to come armed."

"I don't know what's going on, but shall we head inside?"

They were about to enter the testing room with puzzled expressions when...

"T-the test isn't over yet, so please refrain from entering...!"

"External factors must be kept to an absolute minimum right now!"

The researchers hurriedly spread their arms to block them, tension clear on their faces as they raised their hands to their mouths.

"Whoa, that's..."

"Wow, it was real."

"C-can that even happen?"

Having finally spotted Yeon-woo through the window, they widened their eyes and lowered their voices.

"...Look, he tamed that one too!"

This was because Yeon-woo, who was attempting to tame a magic beast for the final test, had just lifted a third-grade Fang Lizard high into the air to signal his successful taming.

"Human, give food."

"Give to me first."

"What is that stupid pose?"

Behind Yeon-woo, the low-grade magic beasts that had been neutralized by the Hunter Association's control devices stood in a neat line, all tamed as well.

"Then, the final specimen."

After discussing among themselves for quite some time, the researchers finally spoke into their microphones with clear tension in their voices.

"Estimated first-grade magic beast, the Illusion Spectre Fox."

"......!"

"Variant classification code S-009. If our analysis is correct, this is Korea's ninth first-grade magic beast, so extreme caution is required."

At the same time, the veteran hunters, now wearing serious expressions after receiving the researchers' briefing, began entering the testing room.

"Yeon-woo, this time you'll be taming from a safe location."

"Huh?"

"That thing is incredibly dangerous. It has all kinds of weakening and control devices attached, but you still can't let your guard down."

In that situation, Do Seong-a carefully picked Yeon-woo up and held him in her arms as she walked toward the area outside the testing room where the reserve forces were gathered and began explaining.

"If it looks like it won't work, raise your hand and let us know right away, okay?"

"...Okay."

"Then those uncles and aunties over there will send the bad fox back."

Hearing those words, Yeon-woo spoke up with a worried expression.

"What if the magic beast escapes and breaks through the wall?"

"Yeon-woo, the Hunter Association's reinforced walls can withstand even most special-grade magic beasts."

"...I see."

Of course, just as Seong-a said, the Hunter Association's defenses were among the best in the world. Still, they needed to be thoroughly prepared.

A first-grade magic beast was an entity that required multiple A-grade hunters and at least one S-grade hunter to deal with. While it might not reach the level of a special-grade beast that could threaten an entire city or nation, its appearance would certainly cause the Hunter Association to declare an emergency.

"This specimen has been considerably ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠weakened due to long-term confinement, but please exercise the utmost caution for any unforeseen circumstances."

"Additionally, in the event of an abnormal situation, lethal force is authorized."

After countless preliminary checks and safety inspections, a massive cage-like prison finally rose from beneath the floor.

Grrrr...

When the researcher carefully pressed the button, the first protective barrier—an energy field—deactivated, and the first-grade magic beast, the Illusion Spectre Fox, finally revealed itself.

"......"

For a moment, a suffocating silence fell over the testing room.

Completely surrounded by Do Seong-a and the reserve forces, Yeon-woo watched nervously from outside as a familiar status window appeared before him.

"The ones who hunted me and locked me up—what sudden whim is this?"

Right after, a chilling voice that made one's spine tingle began reaching Yeon-woo's ears.

"Are you planning to make me into a spectacle?"

"......"

"If so, I'll kill you even if it costs me my life."

The massive fox that had risen inside the cage was speaking to the hunters blocking its path, the corners of its mouth lifted in a smirk.

"It's been a while since I've heard that cry..."

"Ugh, I feel my whole body breaking out in goosebumps."

"Is that an ability too?"

Of course, those words could only be heard by Yeon-woo.

"Fox, um, hello."

"Hm?"

"M-my name is Do Yeon-woo."

During the long standoff, Yeon-woo finally spoke carefully into the microphone.

"A human who still smells of milk can speak the language of magic beasts?"

At the same time, the Illusion Spectre Fox trapped in the cage fixed its gaze on Yeon-woo in the distance and opened its mouth.

"I-I wanted to talk with you, Fox..."

"...So you woke me for something as trivial as that?"

"...E-eek."

Before Yeon-woo could even say anything else, a terrifying killing intent began filling the entire testing room.

"I'll remember your scent clearly."

"......"

"Tasting the blood of a human who doesn't know its place is always welcome..."

The Illusion Spectre Fox looked like it might charge at the iron bars of the cage at any moment as it licked its lips while staring at Yeon-woo. The researchers watching the situation were about to urgently declare the experiment over when...

"...Wait a moment, you."

Suddenly tilting its head, the Illusion Spectre Fox withdrew its killing intent and began staring at Yeon-woo with an interested gaze.

"You are one who has received the Queen's protection."

"......?"

"Then you should have said so from the beginning."

Surprisingly, the fox ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠grinned slightly and began wagging its tail toward Yeon-woo.

"Give me your command, human."

"......"

"Shall I start by killing all the humans here?"

The Illusion Spectre Fox looked down at the hunters gathered before it and made a bloodcurdling suggestion.

"From what I can see, if you who received the protection lend me your strength, it wouldn't even take five minutes..."

Fortunately, instead of focusing on those horrifying words, Yeon-woo was concentrating on the new status window that had appeared before him.

And then...

For some reason, Yeon-woo began smiling like a mischievous prankster despite standing before a first-grade magic beast.

"...Sit."

"Huh?"

"Sit, bad fox."

The moment Yeon-woo gave the command with a rather strict expression...

"What...! Yelp!"

"Good boy."

"What are you doing, human...!"

The Illusion Spectre Fox unconsciously obeyed Yeon-woo's command and sat down neatly, then raised its voice in a clearly embarrassed tone.

"Roll over and show your belly."

"You'll regret this. No, I'll make you regret... Yelp."

"If you don't listen, next I'll make you do forward rolls."

"...Ugh."

Even though killing intent still burned in its eyes, after Yeon-woo's continued words the fox ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠trembled for a moment before finally giving up and rolling over to expose its belly.

"......"

Once again, silence fell over the testing room.

"H-he tamed it!"

When Yeon-woo raised his hand with a confident expression, everyone present turned to stare at him with their mouths wide open.

"I-I did well, right..."

Thanks to all the gazes pouring in from every direction, Yeon-woo shrank back a little. He muttered in a small voice before lowering his head.

"...I worked really hard, so please don't scold me too much."

*****

"Thank you for waiting."

About thirty minutes later.

In the Korean Hunter Association conference room.

"The test results confirm without a doubt that Do Yeon-woo's taming ability is genuine."

"......"

"Moreover, despite the specimen being weakened, it is an incredible ability that even works on first-grade magic beasts."

The senior hunters and executives of the Korean Hunter Association who had gathered after receiving urgent contact listened to the researchers' briefing with wide eyes.

"Something like that has never been reported in academic circles..."

"But aren't we seeing it with our own eyes right now?"

The video the researchers played showed the first-grade Illusion Spectre Fox lying on its back after Yeon-woo's charismatic commands.

"Yes, since it actually happened, we cannot deny it."

"Then..."

"What you are all watching is the first magic beast taming skill discovered in human history."

In the increasingly heated atmosphere, the most senior researcher stopped the video and stepped forward.

"Therefore, all of us permanent researchers at the Korean Hunter Association have reached the following conclusion."

Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead with his sleeve and taking a deep breath, he made his declaration in a solemn voice as if steeling himself.

"We unanimously award test subject Do Yeon-woo an S-grade hunter designation."

A brief silence fell over the conference room.

"Do you understand what those words mean, young man?"

"......"

"This matter must be handled with absolute certainty, without any possibility of reversal."

The one who broke the silence was Gwon Seong-muk, the President of the Korean Hunter Association, who had been sitting at the head of the table without any change in expression.

"...Yes, I understand, Mr. President."

The most senior researcher trembled slightly at the chilling aura emanating from the white-haired elder, but he somehow managed to speak again.

"This marks the birth of Korea's seventh S-grade hunter, and the youngest S-grade hunter in the world."

The moment those words ended, sharp intakes of breath and exclamations could be heard from all around.

"Heh heh..."

Even the president, who had been sitting quietly and radiating his presence, relaxed his expression at this news that would shake not only Korea but the entire world, letting out a soft smile.

"However, there is one problem..."

The most senior researcher, who had been watching everyone's reactions, cautiously shifted his gaze to the side and spoke.

"Ugh..."

"Y-Yeon-woo? What's wrong?"

"Oh my? Why is he suddenly taking off his clothes...?"

Right around that time, Yeon-woo, who had been sitting quietly on the sofa prepared at the side of the conference room, began letting out soft moans as he undid the buttons of his clothes.

"My body feels too hot..."

"W-what's happening?"

At Yeon-woo's murmur, Do Seong-a, who was attending as his guardian and standing protectively beside him, turned to the researchers with a flustered expression.

"...Once he finishes using his abilities, Yeon-woo falls into a state of extreme exhaustion as a side effect."

"......"

"Since he has no mana circuits, we believe this is a natural reaction..."

Seeing the situation, the most senior researcher added an explanation in a low voice and gave a hand signal. Researchers rushed over to Yeon-woo carrying cold towels.

"Yeon-woo, noona will cool you down..."

"Just a moment, I'll help you take this off...?"

"There, there. Good boy, good boy..."

As the female researchers began their devoted efforts to cool him down, Yeon-woo lowered his head with a bright red face.

"T-thank you for cooling me down..."

The soft words of gratitude that slipped from his lips made everyone in the conference room turn with warm fatherly and motherly smiles.

"...But no mana circuits?"

However, the warm atmosphere that had finally visited the conference room after so long didn't last.

"Why is that?"

After watching Yeon-woo with a grandfatherly smile for only a moment, the president returned to his original expressionless face and asked the question in a cold tone.