Void Princess's Gift #5
Void Princess's Gift #5
We watched the video while the instructors provided commentary.
The footage takes place somewhere in Korea. A battlefield where a Hero team was deployed to eliminate a C-rank monster that had suddenly appeared.
While military fire support sweeps through the low-rank monsters, the assembled Heroes, submachine guns in hand, launch a concentrated breakthrough, leaping toward the monster in a three-dimensional assault.
The Hero team secures a position at the target point, divides their roles, and begins the hunt.
"Kraaaaaaah!"
The Warrior-type Hero with the most solid build takes the front. The enraged monster swings a forepaw, but the Warrior evades it easily, checking it with his sword to draw aggro.
Meanwhile, a Mage-type Hero who has taken up another position blasts a beam into the monster's back.
—BOOM!
"Kweeeeeek!"
The monster goes berserk.
The Warrior holding the front easily dodges the mindless rampage. While that happens, the Hero guarding the Mage guns down the swarming trash mobs, and another Mage-type Hero sweeps through the enemies with an area-of-effect ability.
"Kweeeeeek!"
The enraged monster looks toward the Mage who fired the beam and roars.
"Kraaaaaaah!"
"Diiiieee!"
Alongside the Hero holding the front, another melee-type Hero who had been waiting for an opening leaps in, sword in hand.
—Slash!
A clean sword strike rakes across the massive monster's flank.
"Grrrrrgle...!"
The monster collapses, spilling its innards from both sides.
"Oooh!"
"Yeah!"
"That's our seniors!"
My classmates all gasped in admiration.
No kidding, I clapped both hands over my mouth and choked up, too.
That was the definition of a flawless Raid hunt video. Watching them handle a low-intelligence monster so casually, you really feel what it means to be a professional Hero.
That's exactly what I'll be doing in the future!
"Did you all get a good look? Our seniors are impressive, aren't they?"
"Yes!"
"Then Kim Geun-cheol! Tell us what you think is the single most important point you took from this video!"
Ah, instant review.
"Yes! It's that all the Heroes trusted their comrades and courageously carried out their assigned roles! From the Warrior to the Mages—every single one! They stuck to their tasks without worrying about anything else!"
Trust your comrades and courageously do your job.
The Warriors trusted the Mages' backup, and the Mage who fired the beam stayed calm even when the aggro turned her way.
Because she knew the Warriors would slaughter the monster in the meantime.
The team members trusted each other, so the Raid was completed without a single hitch.
"Correct! That's it exactly! Nothing is more important than teamwork! Trusting one another and executing your assigned role is the highest virtue! Now, shall we watch the video from the beginning and go through the commentary again?"
And so the instructors' explanations continued.
The squad leader first scouts the terrain and enemy monster positions, then establishes a movement route and orders a breakthrough. While moving, they communicate constantly, secure positions, and deploy their weapons.
Every detail is a vivid lesson.
I filled my head with knowledge while organizing the actions according to the timetable in my notes.
Class time passed like that.
"You all have an excellent attitude. That's all for today. Next is general studies, so don't doze off and study hard. Dismissed."
"Yes!"
"Thank you, instructors!"
Class ended, and the instructors gathered their things and left the training ground.
Alright, now.
Let's get started.
"Guys, wait a sec!"
Just as my classmates were about to leave, I shouted and got their attention. The kids who were heading out looked at me and asked what was up.
"I've got something to say! Just listen for a second, alright!"
"Well... if that's the case."
"What's this about?"
"Looks like the man with the makings of a president is about to speak."
Then that seems about done.
"Ahn Do-min."
I jerked my chin toward Ahn Do-min.
"..."
The guy who'd been keeping his mouth firmly shut in the corner flinched. What can he do about it anyway? Following my cue, he walked over to the lectern.
"That guy..."
"That's Ahn Do-min."
"He got his ass kicked back then, right."
"That prick is rotten to the core."
The Mage Class kids started sneering. I didn't stop them yet. The plan was to shut them down after Ahn Do-min apologized.
"Everyone. Ahn Do-min here has something to say to you. You all know about the incident with me, right? After that, he thought long and hard and made a decision. So I'd appreciate it if you'd hear him out."
"..."
At my words, they quieted down.
And then.
"Well, uh... um..."
Ahn Do-min spoke.
"Until now... I'm sorry... for creating a bad atmosphere. Smirking all the time and looking down on people... badmouthing anyone I didn't like for no reason... That's why this incident happened..."
A sincere apology.
"So what do you need to do, Do-min?"
"I have to... apologize... I guess. So... I'm sorry... I'll apologize. For looking down on everyone. For treating you all as beneath me... Getting beaten up by Kim Geun-cheol woke me up... I won't do it anymore. I'm sorry... so... can you forgive me?"
He does a decent job when you tell him what to do.
Granted, I'm standing right next to him, staring daggers.
"..."
In the quiet classroom, Ahn Do-min glanced at me. I took the cue and launched into my speech. I walked right up beside him and addressed the class.
"Alright. Everyone. Ahn Do-min says he wants to apologize to you. Sure, this bastard screwed up big time... but he's paid the price, so now it's time to move forward. So what do you say, guys? We just had a lesson on teamwork, right? Will you accept Ahn Do-min's apology so we can achieve the Great First-Year Unification?"
Forgiveness for the sake of first-year unification.
I finished and looked at my Mage Class classmates.
"Well... if he's apologizing like that."
"Yeah. Seeing how Kim Geun-cheol here is acting, we should."
"Alright! I'll forgive you for being such a dick all this time!"
"But if you do it again, I won't let it slide either! Just like the president!"
The kids' reactions were largely positive.
"Khhh...! I knew it! Our first-years can be united! What a touching response! Hey, Ahn Do-min! What're you doing! They just said they'll let bygones be bygones! So what do you do now!"
"Th-that's...!"
"Say thank you!"
"Thank you... everyone... for forgiving me..."
"That's good enough!"
That should be enough to unify us!
"Thank you too, guys! And I was really grateful for the support you sent me the other day!"
"So are you gonna run for student council president?"
"We'll vote for you if you do."
"President! President!"
My Mage Class classmates still wanted me to run. Of course, I'd already handed that baton off to Leona. I'm vice-president material.
"I'm still thinking about that! Whether I'll run or help someone else! But will you still support me!"
"Yeah, sure."
"There isn't really anyone else but you anyway."
"Honestly, being president sounds like a pain, someone with passion should do it."
Another good reaction.
With this, when I back Leona, the flow will naturally shift to voting for Leona.
"Thanks! Whatever happens, I truly believe the hearts of all first-years have to be completely united! As future colleagues, let's not divide into cliques or factions and just get along!"
Just as I yelled that, the ever-perceptive Yu-ri started clapping.
—Clap clap clap!
—Clap clap clap!
—Clap clap clap!
As the hype man hyped things up, the crowd responded.
"Ooooh!"
"Go for it!"
A truly perfect response.
Thanks, Do-min.
Your bullshit turned into our support.
* * *
"Heh."
Lee So-ra laughed, leaning her back against the wall.
"Kim Geun-cheol. That kid definitely has leadership. Isn't that what leadership is, Instructor Kawar?"
Listening to him gather the kids and talk, you could truly feel the qualities of a leader.
That's what leadership is, Lee So-ra thought.
"Indeed, indeed. That's exactly leadership. At first I thought he was just a funny kid, but he has many special qualities. Great social skills. He knows how to give speeches. I never imagined he'd pull off the Great First-Year Unification right here."
"Something tells me he'll do something big later on."
"You think the political Hero route?"
"From what I see, he seems more like the type to work out in the field. Anyway, he's the kind of talent multiple guilds will want to poach in the future."
Kim Geun-cheol is in many ways a true Hero.
Even if his antics are a bit odd and the way he talks is strange, he understands honor and knows how to protect civilians. Add to that his drive for improvement and his skills climbing day by day.
On top of that, his unique sociability will create strong bonds with his team members if he's ever assigned to a future Hero team, enabling more efficient operation execution.
He's exactly the ideal type of talent the academy aims to foster.
If only you could subtract the bizarre behavior.
"Right. That's probably why the Chairwoman decided to teach him something herself."
"Ah, about that. But I hear it's been halted again?"
"You mean the incident where she knocked Kim Geun-cheol out with the Lion's Roar... Good heavens. What a strange thing. To think the thick-skinned Chairwoman would be embarrassed."
It was a bizarre incident.
"Ah. What about Chairman Ahn?"
"From what I hear, he's tucked tail and is living quietly. It seems he's decided to step away from being a Hero and return fully to civilian life."
"Good. Well, it looks like Kim Geun-cheol will guide Ahn Do-min well, so there shouldn't be a problem."
"Apparently so. To forget past grudges and turn him into someone you must lead. Phew. A real piece of work is a real piece of work, as they say."
The instructors' conversation carried on.
* * *
"Kh! Another productive day! Alright, Yu-ri! Shall we go train a little!"
Am I gonna end up a politician at this rate?
Of course, for me, training matters more than all that.
Let's pour everything into training again today.
"Yeah. This guy. I need to check that thing from earlier properly."
Yu-ri's interest flared, and she started showing curiosity about my fighting spirit. It must have been really bizarre when we sparred earlier.
Hold on a second.
How about I properly use this power while sparring with Yu-ri to research exactly what properties this Blood Energy holds?
It might be more helpful to have Yu-ri, who is way more skilled than me, experience the Blood Energy and explain it to me, rather than trying to figure it out with my own senses.
This is a great idea.
Let's use Blood Energy while sparring with Yu-ri and get her feedback.
"Then I absolutely can't be left out! That new magic power application of Kim Geun-cheol's! I'm really curious! I'll join in today too!"
"Ah, then me too. Let's all four train together today. Geun-cheol's level is rising bit by bit now. No problem doing it together anymore, right?"
"Frankly he's still a bit lacking, but at this stage, I suppose it'll be fine. Let's go then."
At that, Leona and Si-hoo suddenly jumped into the training plan. Though Si-hoo, I really wish she'd stop talking nonsense. Level is rising bit by bit?
My level has already risen.
"Oh yeah, it's been a while since the four of us trained together, huh? Let's go then. Yu-ri. Lead the way."
"..."
"Hm? Yu-ri."
I looked over and Yu-ri was staring at me.
"Uh, yeah. Let's go."
I'm not sure what it was, but Yu-ri hesitated for a moment, put her hands in her pockets, and started moving.
We immediately followed after her.
* * *
"Tch."
Woo Yu-ri thought she'd messed up in that instant.
She'd planned to train alone with Kim Geun-cheol again today, but Leona and Lee Si-hoo had barged in out of nowhere.
"..."
How much time had passed since then?
—Slide.
Heat seemed to rise from the shoulder she had idly touched. Today, she'd meant to naturally get him to rub her shoulders again while saying something like, "This guy got no respect for his teacher or what?" But with this situation, she couldn't.
She wasn't sure exactly why, but she couldn't have her shoulders rubbed in front of her friends.
'No.'
Let's be honest.
It had felt really refreshing on her shoulders.
That bastard Kim Geun-cheol gives a good massage.
It's not that she was exactly expecting him to do it again, but her shoulders have been feeling stiff again lately, or something like that, so she'd wanted to receive one today, but of all times, Leona and Lee Si-hoo had to butt in.
Of course, she can't let it show.
'It'll look like I'm expecting it, damn it.'
The moment you show a sign of this, it's over.
She could vividly picture that bastard Kim Geun-cheol running his mouth with some insane tone like, "Ahh, you want one? My massage?"
With those thoughts in mind, Woo Yu-ri entered the training ground with everyone, picked up a practice weapon, and crossed swords with Kim Geun-cheol.
"Then let's go, Yu-ri! Today I'm definitely gonna land a 'cri'-tical, a critical hit on you!"
"What tical?"
"Critical! I said I'm landing a critical hit!"
Was this bastard doing it on purpose or what?
Anyway, the sparring began.
—Swish.
—Clang.
Light, swift exchanges of sword strikes.
She'd been feeling it since the start of the semester, so she knew.
His skill had increased by leaps and bounds.
From his footwork to the force behind his sword and even his head for planning the next move. He didn't lag behind in any area. Kim Geun-cheol truly possessed the qualities of a highly capable swordsman.
'But what is this really?'
As she matched his blade, Woo Yu-ri thought about it.
'Over the last week, his attacks have gotten a little heavier... All of a sudden, when they weren't before? His speed is still the same. Why does this bastard feel like he only got stronger? Did he really gain some kind of enlightenment about that magic power handling method?'
This week.
Kim Geun-cheol had definitely grown.
The weight carried in his sword had changed.
"Oof! Yu-ri! Too strong! I said too strong! Strong!"
"Ah."
Because she got distracted, she'd put too much power into her sword. Even if Kim Geun-cheol has grown, he still can't match her yet.
She immediately lowered her power, and they matched each other's movements, exchanging sword blows.
'This bastard.'
While doing so, the heaviness of Kim Geun-cheol's sword became even more palpable. It was certain. Right now, Kim Geun-cheol was actively using whatever new technique he claimed to have developed.
'No, wait, he seriously grew this much? What the hell does he do alone in his dorm room at night to grow like this?'
Does he do crazy magic power training by himself before sleeping?
'Should I secretly sneak over one time? Check what this bastard does at night?'
Feeling her curiosity explode, she finished the sparring. Leona brought a towel and water to the sweating Kim Geun-cheol and clapped, saying he was amazing.
Geez, what a mother hen.
If Leona is the mom who only praises, then she herself has to be the strict older sister. That's the path to making Kim Geun-cheol grow.
"Hoo. Yu-ri. That was good. You really are my worthy rival."
"You're talking bullshit, seriously. No, but. Kim Geun-cheol, what do you do alone in your room that you've gotten like this so fast? The force behind this bastard's sword is no joke. What kind of training are you really doing? At night?"
"Curious, are you? About my nighttime hours?"
"Argh!"
That infuriating way of speaking!
Kim Geun-cheol often uses that deliberately theatrical tone to show off and scatter arrogance everywhere.
"Don't hit me! Don't hit me! I'll tell you!"
"So what is it?"
"I listen to classical music alone... and what's it called? Handicrafts? I do that while solving English vocabulary or math problems to discipline my mind. When I get stuck on a problem that just won't solve and I finally figure it out by plugging in all kinds of formulas, I feel refreshed. Ah, and if there's something I don't know, I open a dictionary and study. Sometimes I also gain enlightenment by reading through the Constitution of the Republic of Korea."
"You seriously are the most obnoxious bastard! I want to kill you!"
"Aack! Can't a guy even joke!"
Seriously, this guy just begs for a punch.
"Alright, alright. So, Yu-ri. How is it? My skill."
"...It's just... weird."
Really weird.
"I'm not sure if it's power I'm feeling from your sword. No, wait. Did you strengthen your physical body? How should I put it... It feels like some strange energy comes out and pushes you away a little stronger. Did you train your forearms? It felt almost like you'd generated a force field around you."
"...Is that so."
Kim Geun-cheol nodded as if he'd realized something.
Watching that, Woo Yu-ri thought, this bastard's at it again, acting like some martial arts master who's gained enlightenment over nothing at all.
"Hm?"
It was so ridiculous that her hand landed on his head before she knew it.
—Scrub scrub.
She vigorously shook her hand to mess up his hair.
"What, Yu-ri?!"
"Being obnoxious again, I see. What are you pretending to have enlightenment about now? Want me to pull all your hair out?"
"But I actually did gain something!"
This bastard seems to have really thick hair.
