Chapter 8
Chapter 8
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 8
Chapter Title: Practical Training (1)
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"That was truly impressive."
After training ended, we met again on a bench as the sun set. Yu-jeong sunbae scratched her head shyly and waved her hand dismissively. She felt my praise was overly generous. Shaking her head vigorously, she said,
"Really... don't tease me like that, Su-hyeon. Acting like a bad guy was a first for me too."
Her words left me at a loss for how to compliment her properly. Should I say she really seemed like a bad person? Or give a vague praise about her good acting? After some thought, I said,
"Thanks to you, that... it helped a lot. Your dedicated acting made it easier to immerse myself."
"Really? Was I that good?"
Yu-jeong sunbae asked me. I nodded and repeated,
"Yes. You were all I could see."
"Ah..."
At my words, her eyes widened slightly before she quickly looked away. Realizing I'd said something embarrassingly direct, I shut my mouth. As I bowed my head, I heard the sound of her slurping empty iced drink through a straw. The dry ice cubes strained to push up the last drops of liquid. My hands trembled on my thighs before I blurted out,
"I mean! Well, you know...! Your acting was so good! That's why it felt that way!"
Yu-jeong sunbae looked back at me. She still wore a smiling face, tinged red in the sunset glow. She said,
"Su-hyeon, which guild are you thinking of joining later?"
"A guild? Well..."
There were as many guilds as there were hunters, each with unique concepts. The Black Dragon Clan, evoking the flavor of ancient martial arts tales, was one of the more peculiar ones. I replied,
"Seeing you makes me think the Black Dragon Clan would be great."
"Our guild?"
Yu-jeong sunbae looked at me with surprise. Was choosing the Black Dragon Clan that strange? Noticing my expression shift oddly, she quickly clarified.
"Don't misunderstand. I wasn't asking because it's impossible. You're working so hard, junior. You could pass the Black Dragon Clan's entry test. As for the nickname... you can change it later. But is that okay? It's a bit self-serving to say, but the Black Dragon Clan lacks prospects compared to others."
A place discouraged by someone working there firsthand was truly hellish. It was surprising she'd discourage joining the Black Dragon Clan, which had a solid public image.
"Lacks prospects?"
"Our clan leader's stuck at A-Rank and can't climb higher, causing some issues. It's complicated, but just keep that in mind."
"So, will you transfer out later too, sunbae?"
Yu-jeong sunbae shook her head. I'd thought it a risky question after asking, but she seemed unfazed.
"I started as a trainee there, after all. It'd be weird for a trainee to switch guilds, and I'm staying out of loyalty. You're hardworking and talented, so I'd recommend looking elsewhere."
"That's a shame. I thought it'd be fun working with you, sunbae."
"Me too."
Yu-jeong sunbae nodded in agreement. We avoided each other's eyes again, gazing at the sky. I heard her slurp the last of her drink through the straw. With a refreshed expression, she tossed the plastic cup into the trash bin—a clean shot befitting a D-Rank Hunter. She stood proudly.
"You'll do the exploration yourself tomorrow?"
"Will you come too, sunbae?"
"Want me to watch? I could bring a lunchbox?"
Yu-jeong sunbae said, slinging her bag over her shoulder. I thought for a moment and shook my head. A female hunter cheering on the Ada Bomber? That would spark 100% weird rumors. It'd just be a nuisance. Shaking my head, I said,
"No, it's fine. You're busy too, sunbae."
"It's not a tough exploration. Just basic practice."
"Yes. Thank you."
She stretched, her smooth waistline visible through her thin shirt. Standing on tiptoes, she arched her back fully before looking at me and asking,
"So, what nickname were you planning?"
"What kind?"
"If you join the Black Dragon Clan, everyone matches their name to a martial arts moniker. What were you thinking of changing to if you reached B-Rank?"
"Heavenly Demon."
There was no particular reason. I hadn't even decided on a name if I joined the Black Dragon Clan. "Heavenly Demon" just flashed in my mind like lightning, so I said it. Heavenly Demon Jeong Su-hyeon. Even murmuring it inwardly made power surge through me. Yu-jeong sunbae shook her head at my answer.
"That name must be a big deal in martial arts novels? All the guys want to use 'Heavenly Demon' when they join."
"Oh, is someone already using Heavenly Demon?"
It was a nickname anyone might naturally claim. Yu-jeong sunbae shook her head.
"The clan leader reserved it. Says he'll change to it when he hits S-Rank. Didn't know, but apparently A-Rank and above get nickname reservations."
The Status Window had pointless perks like that. For some reason, the Black Dragon Clan's leader started feeling more human. From insisting on being called "clan leader" instead of guild master, to reserving "Heavenly Demon"—every detail screamed relatability.
She checked her watch, turned toward the driver's seat, and said,
"Oh, it's this late already. Sorry, I'll head out first today."
"Ah, thank you."
"Sure. See you next time. I'll try to come watch if I have time."
"Yes!"
I waved as Yu-jeong sunbae's car drove away. The farther it went, the more a strange regret settled in. My legs didn't ache today, and I hadn't sweated much. I could probably run home without getting winded.
Still, I wanted to ride back with her. I sighed deeply and clicked my tongue.
*****
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The next day, we gathered before the gate, marveling at the surreal scenery around it. The gate exuded an otherworldly feel, like a screen broadcasting a CG movie. A massive, thin force field displayed another world, yet turning slightly revealed it was thinner than a sheet of paper.
Jeong-ah teacher seemed utterly accustomed to our awed reactions.
"This is an F-Rank gate prepared for novice hunters to adapt. As you know, once coordinates are set, gates can reopen persistently, allowing applications like this. Please equip your safety gear."
Next to me, Kim Ju-seong was already geared up and stretching. Tall and well-built, he looked like a seasoned futuristic warrior. I glanced at my own scrawny muscles and shook my head ruefully. Comparing myself in every little thing would ruin even good days.
I was me, and Kim Ju-seong was him. I could feel rivalry, but no need for grudges. Steeling myself, I stood. Everyone prepared to leap through with their partners, but no one was beside me.
Because Ichigaya Ichie hadn't shown up today either. She had two more days. I felt lost on how to proceed. Jeong-ah teacher checked attendance, equipped her gear, and said to me,
"Hunter Jeong Su-hyeon, since Ichigaya Ichie isn't here, I'll act as your partner today. It's just simple practice, and we'll all move together, so no need to worry."
"Yes!"
I sighed inwardly in relief and nodded. Jeong-ah teacher stood before the gate with her usual blank expression. She double-checked her gear, then leaped in first. I followed her through.
One step in, and a strange atmosphere enveloped me. Far clearer than Earth's air, yet humid. Jeong-ah teacher tapped the gate floor with her foot, glanced back, circled a spot, and explained,
"The advance team entering a gate must always check for anomalies. This includes air quality, floor conditions, and nearby monster habitats."
Drrrrrrrrrumble!
As her words ended, the ground shook. The tremor rattling my body sounded just like a construction drill. Jeong-ah teacher frowned and turned. The other students beyond the gate flinched, pulling back their feet and holding their breath.
Jeong-ah teacher grimaced, drew her sword from her waist, gripped it reverse, gauged the distance, and swung wide at the front. A long blue arc slashed through, felling trees in a straight line like they'd been measured with a ruler.
No time to admire the power. Beyond the toppling trees, construction workers appeared, snapping the otherworldly scene back to reality.
The workers digging paused, removed their masks, and faced Jeong-ah teacher and me. They nodded casually in greeting before resuming. Jeong-ah teacher said incredulously,
"What are you doing here? Who are you people?"
One worker looked up. He was older, with high status on site. A black dragon mark adorned his chest. Jeong-ah teacher murmured upon seeing it,
"Black Dragon Clan?"
"Yes, from the Black Dragon Clan. We got intel on an Omnipotent Being fragment here and got Academy permission. Don't interfere and move along."
He waved his fingers dismissively at B-Rank Hunter Jeong-ah teacher like she was an annoying pest, maintaining his rudeness. Jeong-ah teacher licked her lips slightly and scanned the Black Dragon Clan workers.
They were scraping up the gate floor indiscriminately.