Chapter 6
Chapter 6
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: First Training (1)
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"Yes, the famous streamer Mr. A, who recently passed away, is believed to have been murdered after revealing a portion of the awakening cultivation method passed down within the Diamond Club guild. Joining us today is Han Young-in, the vice master of Diamond Club. Hello."
"Yes, hello."
Even as I trained, the world kept spinning at a breathless pace. On the first day of stat training, it was abuzz with the streamer death over exposing Diamond Club's awakener cultivation method. Anyone could see it was a hit commissioned by Diamond Club.
I half-heartedly chewed and swallowed buttered white bread while barely paying attention to the news. As I grabbed my bag, the interviewer relentlessly questioned Diamond Club's vice master. He expressed regret over famous streamer Mr. A's death, repeatedly emphasized that leaking guild info was a grave crime, and clearly stated it had nothing to do with Diamond Club.
"Goodness, the world's a scary place."
Mom said that while doing dishes. Dad nodded over his newspaper and told me:
"You too—don't go joining some guild and flapping your mouth lightly. Got it?"
"Yes."
You still loved teaching me. I just nodded vaguely and hurried to school. At the quiet entrance, I swiped my ID, and [Ada Bomber Jeong Su-hyeon] flashed on the main gate sign.
Why the hell did they design the entry system like this?
Why didn't these designers consider someone might pick a retarded nickname like Ada Bomber?
A few hunters walking behind me glanced at each other and snickered. It soured my mood even more.
Then one hurried over and asked:
"Excuse me. Is your real name Ada Bomber?"
I ignored him and headed to class. Students already buddying up sat chatting about the morning news. Did Diamond Club really kill someone? If so, was it right?
It was an intriguing debate. I almost joined but sat quietly instead. The kids just glanced my way—no freezing up or discomfort like yesterday.
As long as I wasn't actually being an Ada Bomber creep hitting on girls, they had no reason to mess with me. Better than pointless attention like earlier.
"Good morning, everyone."
Teacher Jeong-ah tapped the podium to get attention. As a B-Rank Hunter, she was skilled at moving undetected. The class startled and sat straight, unaware she'd entered.
She brushed off their reaction like always and outlined the day's schedule.
"Starting today, before full gate explorations, you'll undergo physical enhancement training. It'll be systematic based on your current stats. First, anyone with Strength 15 or higher, come forward."
Kim Ju-seong shot up and stepped out. My Strength was 9; average adult males had 7-8, so his was impressively high. A few others joined him.
Teacher Jeong-ah nodded, fiddled with her pad. Notifications pinged for Kim Ju-seong and the others. She said:
"Go to the marked spot. Next, Strength 10 or higher but under 15. Up you go."
Over half the class stood. Even some skinny girls frailer-looking than me had Strength over 10. That was the gap from lifelong cultivation versus normal folks.
Some sneered and shook their heads, knowing my Strength was under 10. Teacher Jeong-ah scanned the few left, nodded, and said:
"The rest, head to your assigned spots."
My pad directed me to Gymnasium 2nd floor. I walked with the others. Kim Chun-bae was beside me. His weird nickname gave me a strange sense of camaraderie.
"Hey..."
But Kim Chun-bae ignored me, eyes on his phone showing lingerie-clad Hanakawa Misaki. Seeing his wallpaper, I gave up talking.
Asshole.
"Faster! You need to catch up in growth! Push yourselves to the extreme!"
The training was straightforward. Push-ups, abs, squats—every imaginable strength exercise at max intensity. Breaks were short; we sweated like rain, gasping for air.
Faces tomato-red staring at each other, clothes soaked and discolored. Post-training, we downed academy-made supplements for recovery and muscle growth.
Simpler and more brutal than expected, it wrung me out like a rag. By end, no energy left. I staggered out like a wind-tossed branch.
"Oh, there you are."
Yu-jeong sunbae waited out front, sipping coffee on a bench. I startled, tried a bright greeting, but shaky limbs failed.
"H-Hello."
"Whoa. You look wrecked."
Yu-jeong sunbae eyed my state and laughed. Pride flared; body wrecked, but spirit alive.
"N-No, not at all. Piece of cake."
Didn't want to seem weak. I straightened my thighs, stretched arms casually.
And
"Aaaaaaaaaaagh!"
I shrieked girlishly and collapsed. Cramps from overexertion. Yu-jeong sunbae rushed over, massaging my legs and arms.
"Ow...! Aaaah...! Gurk...!"
"It's okay, it's okay. Muscles are shocked. Big moves post-workout hurt. Got it?"
".......Yes."
Face burning—not from fatigue. I tried rising carefully. Wanted out fast. Legs wouldn't cooperate; felt like a rehab patient.
Yu-jeong sunbae, still grinning amusedly, took my hand and pulled me up.
"Up you go. Can you walk alone?"
"Uh, well..."
I eyed her slim shoulders, torn. Admit I can't, get a piggyback? Arm-in-arm sounded nice, but wanted to show off a bit.
"I-I can manage. Thanks, sunbae."
"Aw, really? Was gonna link arms."
She poked my side laughing.
"Waaaaaagh!"
Her poke hit like a weak spot. I staggered, caught myself. She laughed harder.
"Nope, can't do it. Hop on, junior. I'll drive you. I bombed my first day too, got chewed out."
She pressed her key fob. Far-off headlights flashed invitingly. The car looked like salvation.
Her cute car, matching her vibe, blasted AC like for guests. Self-conscious of my sweat smell, I sniffed and peeled off the seatback. She said:
"Why fuss? Relax. I know you're sweat-soaked. Don't strain your back—lounge against it."
"Thank you."
Couldn't though. Sat stiffly, pretending to lean.
"Saw your stats yesterday, figured you'd suffer today. I did too—thought I'd die that first training. Dreading tomorrow."
I nodded. Car calmed me. Plush seat drowsed me. Yu-jeong sunbae asked:
"Why become a hunter?"
"Just awakened. Sounds spoiled, but I wasn't hunter-bound."
True. No real hunter goals. Closest was nickname change from B-Rank. But was that a goal? Just a comfy perk.
Yu-jeong sunbae nodded, advised:
"Get a goal. Can't survive here without one."
"A goal... Yes. I'll think on it."
Reflecting, I'd always faked effort. Others burned passion young; I had none. Civil servant for good pay; hunter for awakener money.
"Where's home?"
"Ah, yes. Near Gongdeok. Right at the securities firm intersection, then..."
I gave nav directions, thinking: Need a real goal, beyond B-Rank nick change. Passion for human Jeong Su-hyeon.