Chapter 24
Chapter 24
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: Indoor Classes (3)
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The academy had been abuzz since morning. It was all because of the news that aired this morning. C-Rank Hunter "Nuclear Fist" Park Young-do had died during a D-Rank Gate exploration due to a mishandled response from failing to review the bestiary.
Park Young-do had always been the type to trust his own abilities, act uncooperatively with his team, and make reckless solo moves to maximize profits. This time, though, he'd failed to properly deal with the [Mushman] inhabiting the D-Rank Gate interior, suffered severe injuries, and died before he could even escape the scene.
A C-Rank Hunter was leagues above someone like Yu-jeong sunbae or Hunter Seong Ha-yeon—highly experienced pros. The fact that one of them had died from a basic bestiary blunder hit like a bombshell. Ichie and I pulled up the bestiary on our pads in the corner of the classroom and started searching for info on the Mushman.
"Mushman."
"This one. Yeah, this."
A search for [Mushman] in the bestiary brought up its entry. An image showed a vicious-looking mushroom-headed humanoid standing there. Ichie shook her head at the sight of it and said to me,
"Gate monsters are all so weird."
"I think so too."
Was the other side of the Gate some kind of hell? Every creature in the bestiary looked utterly repulsive. I read the Mushman description aloud.
⚔ BESTIARY ⚔ [Mushman] Rank: D-Rank A monster that spews high-heat steam and spores from its mouth. The white steam obscures vision, while the spores induce sleep. It employs highly intelligent tactics: blinding foes, disorienting their minds, then striking. Highest danger level among D-Ranks.
Below the description was a short video clip of a battle against a Mushman.
Opening it showed a grotesque mushroom creature trembling its head violently as it exhaled white steam from its mouth. As it shook, sparkling powder shot into the air and rained down on the surrounding hunters. The geared-up hunters calmly evaded the steam, while ranged ability users unleashed concentrated fire on the Mushman from afar.
Ichie said,
"That's tough."
She'd clearly meant "tricky." I nodded in agreement.
"Yeah. Looks dangerous even at a glance."
The picture was coming together. C-Rank Hunter "Nuclear Fist" Park Young-do had an impact-enhancement ability that made struck areas explode. He'd probably seen the Mushman and figured one solid punch would end it.
But the Mushman had immediately sprayed spores and blasted steam at Park Young-do. Caught off-guard by the scorching steam and spores, he'd botched his response and taken a conk on the head from the Mushman. Hunters who arrived late after spotting the steam took it down, but Park Young-do's skull was already shattered.
Gates suddenly felt even more terrifying. The kids gossiping about Park Young-do up front looked anxious, struggling to hide their unease. I said,
"Let's study hard so we can handle stuff like this right."
"Got it."
Ichie nodded at my words. The front door opened, and Teacher Jeong-ah appeared after a long absence. Juggling Gate practice and indoor classes had made her scarce lately. She fiddled with her booklet, looking a bit somber.
The students gradually fell silent, eyes on Teacher Jeong-ah. She connected her pad to the computer and lowered a slide screen. We learned that day that our classroom even had one for slideshows.
While the screen descended, Teacher Jeong-ah asked us,
"Did you all see this morning's news? About the hunter who passed away last night."
Everyone nodded. Teacher Jeong-ah scanned us once more before saying,
"It's tragic. A hunter who hadn't studied the bestiary died after encountering a strong monster in a Gate. The academy held an emergency meeting this morning about it. There was concern that if even C-Rank Hunters are skimping on bestiary knowledge, what about the newbies coming up.
The basic course [Gate Internal Ecology] was already scheduled for three weeks of indoor class time next month. But to prevent repeats of this tragedy, we've decided to prepare a special exam."
The word "exam" sparked murmurs of discontent here and there. Physical training at the academy already drained us—now exams too? Our bodies wouldn't hold up. Teacher Jeong-ah ignored the grumbles and continued.
"The top five scorers on this exam will receive special scholarships."
The complaints died down at the mention of money. Seeing the color return to our faces, Teacher Jeong-ah sighed in disbelief and said,
"It's amazing how giving you money motivates you to study more than the death of a C-Rank Hunter above your level."
A few students who'd been openly grinning sheepishly averted their eyes. Teacher Jeong-ah linked her pad to the screen, displaying the D-Rank monster [Mushman]'s bestiary entry. She said,
"Everyone, don't rely too much on money or fame. They're like fuel for a car—nice to have for a smooth ride, but no need to obsess."
Our pads pinged with the bestiary entry too. Since Ichie and I had already been viewing Mushman, we now had duplicates. Ichie kept peeking at mine without pulling out hers. I asked,
"Ichie, class is starting. Shouldn't you open yours?"
"I'll just use this."
"Ichie?"
"It's broken."
Broken? Nothing to be done about that. Hard to refuse, anyway. Teacher Jeong-ah glanced at us, tilted her head, then resumed her explanation.
"Starting today, we'll cover 17 types of D- and E-Rank monsters every morning. All lessons end precisely on the 12th of next month, followed by the exam."
Teacher Jeong-ah didn't wait for replies. She pulled a laser pointer from her pocket and dove right in. Today's lesson: the [Mushman] that killed C-Rank Hunter Park Young-do.
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"An exam? Really? We didn't have anything like that back in our day."
Yu-jeong sunbae slurped her Americano, looking surprised. Thanks to the new shower room, we met her post-training feeling fresh and crisp, unable to hide our refreshment.
Ichie nodded with a slightly relaxed expression. Yu-jeong sunbae looked at her and said,
"Will you be okay with the exam, Ichie? It'll probably be in Korean. Explaining stuff could be rough."
"I've been studying Korean steadily."
"Still, that's different from this. Reading the bestiary in Korean, watching monster explanation videos—it's tough. Want some help?"
Ichie nodded at Yu-jeong sunbae's offer.
"I'd appreciate it."
"Sure. Actually, the Black Dragon Clan set up a side space to educate apprentice hunters on monster precautions. If you want, Ichie, you can use it."
At the mention of Black Dragon Clan, Ichie's face soured. Yu-jeong sunbae hurriedly added,
"This isn't a recruitment pitch or anything. It's not some secret spot either—just promotional space. Want to check it out too, Su-hyeon?"
"M-Me too?"
I blurted in surprise. Was it okay for non-apprentices to use Black Dragon Clan's facilities? Yu-jeong sunbae said,
"No big deal. There aren't many apprentices anyway, and they don't use it every day."
"I see..."
If it was just a place to see and touch stuff, it was worth a visit. Seeing is believing, right? Hands-on beats flipping through a bestiary any day for learning. Ichie glanced at Yu-jeong sunbae again and said,
"I'll go."
"Great. I'll make the arrangements. Next time we meet, I'll give you the address and when/where."
"Thanks."
Ichie was suddenly proactive. Yu-jeong sunbae tossed her empty plastic cup in the trash and stood.
"So, where to after this? I'll drop you off."
"M-Myeongdong."
Ichie said. Yu-jeong sunbae blinked at "Myeongdong."
"Got a date today, Ichie?"
"Relatives visiting. Meeting for dinner."
"Nice. Hanging out all day?"
"Yeah. I'll introduce you later. They're good people."
"Sounds fun. Myeongdong's got tons of food spots."
Ichie had a blunt but gentle vibe—maybe her relatives were softies too? Yu-jeong sunbae opened the passenger door and said,
"Hop in, both of you. I'll drive you."
"Thank you."
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"Thank you."
Ichie bowed her head. Yu-jeong sunbae waved maturely as she saw Ichie off. After dropping her at Myeongdong, the car smoothly turned toward Gongdeok. She said to me,
"Su-hyeon, you free this weekend?"
"Y-Yeah. Weekend works."
I had plans with friends, but whatever—I'd blow them off. Yu-jeong sunbae smiled brightly, biting her lip. Her ears flushed red. She was shy like that. Yu-jeong sunbae said,
"W-Well... you need to study now too, right?"
"Yeah. I was thinking of using that Black Dragon Clan spot..."
"How about my place instead?"
Red light. The car stopped, and Yu-jeong sunbae looked at me. Sticking out her tongue just a bit, she said,
"I live alone."