Chapter 6
Chapter 6
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: 2. Promotion Exam (2)
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Real Combat Test Examiner Kim Myung-min reviewed the profiles of the applicants he was responsible for today.
"They're all pathetic."
Kim Myung-min frowned.
The other applicants were no different.
Most barely scraped C-grade, and the comments attached to them were enough to draw sighs.
It was just an E-Rank review.
He couldn't fathom what confidence these guys had to aim for promotion when they couldn't even pass a basic aptitude test in such an easy exam. Kim Myung-min was currently working as an examiner, but until recently, he'd been active in the field as a B-Rank Hunter. As a veteran who'd overcome countless crises, he couldn't help but see the greed of these fledglings who hadn't even taken their first steps as pitiful.
This was why casualties happened every time.
People needed to know their place before taking the exam, but lately, too many treated hunting lightly.
"Pathetic bastards."
He checked a few more pages.
Fortunately, not all were disasters.
The few who received A to B softened his irritation a bit, but he was still dissatisfied.
Near the end.
An applicant caught Kim Myung-min's eye.
"An S-grade? Nice."
Perfect.
Interest piqued.
Maybe a new rising star. He read the full profile, but the rest fell short of expectations.
'Late awakening at 20, worst rating. Years as F-Rank Arrow Sponge—classic good fundamentals, no talent type? Shame. Even for basic aptitude, S+ requires talent, but no real hunter gift. Can hit C-Rank, but walls block higher.'
Pity welled up.
B-Rank.
That's where talent realm begins.
Without innate gift alongside skill, B-Rank and beyond was untouchable.
He lost interest.
Kang San stood out, but his track record screamed limits.
Common roadside talent.
Kim Myung-min headed to the real combat test site without a shred of expectation.
Before the exam began.
With 10 applicants before him, Kim Myung-min briefly explained the real combat test format.
"You'll form two teams of five for the real combat test. Once it starts, you'll move to the E-Rank zone and must fully clear the monsters there, just like a normal raid—that's the bare minimum to pass. Among those who meet the minimum, we'll select those who demonstrate proper E-Rank Hunter performance and pass them. Now, let's divide teams. Team 1 leader: Min Hyeong-mo."
"Yes."
"Team 2 leader: Jo Han-byeol."
"Yes!"
At Kim Myung-min's call, two men rose from their seats.
The team selection rule was simple.
No info on each other was provided to the applicants. They'd been separated from the first-round test subjects on purpose, so they knew nothing about one another. They had to pick teammates based solely on appearances and gut instinct. Forming raid teams was crucial for Hunters, so leaders Min Hyeong-mo and Jo Han-byeol—who revealed their styles—were granted picking rights.
Order by rock-paper-scissors.
Min Hyeong-mo won and scanned the applicants.
'Tanker first.'
Essential for raid teams.
A solid front line meant the back could handle their share without major issues, no matter who.
Spotting one right away.
Burly bald man with massive shield strapped to back—oozing tanker reliability.
"I'll pick him."
"Park Jeong-su to Team 1."
"Yes."
As Park Jeong-su stood, Team 2 leader Jo Han-byeol scowled.
'Ah, screwed.'
This exam.
For proper position balance, only two tanker hopefuls assigned.
Meaning.
'No options left for me.'
If not Park Jeong-su.
Only one tanker remained.
Jo Han-byeol hesitated at the man with 'Tanker' badge on chest.
'Looks totally lame.'
Average build, friendly face.
Welcoming for other roles, but he was the last tanker. Tankers had a standard image—hulking gym rats mostly applied, so this guy's looks screamed low trust.
No alternatives.
Better than none—a tanker pretender was needed.
"I'll take him."
"Kang San to Team 2."
Selections continued.
With sturdy Park Jeong-su, Team 1 members moved happily.
Team 2 opposite.
Faces stiff.
Couldn't complain.
As the saying went: luck seven, skill three. Bad luck was their trial.
Kim Myung-min spoke.
"Team selection complete. After 30 minutes of strategy meeting, we'll start the exam. Remember: real combat test is life-or-death. A moment's lapse means death. I pray you all achieve your best. See you in 30."
The strategy meeting was straightforward.
Assign positions, move per standard roles—align on that.
30 minutes flew by.
Under Examiner Kim Myung-min's guidance, Team 1 entered the gate to the Backside World for the real combat test first.
On the screen.
Team 1's situation appeared.
The E-Rank zone was a dense thicket venue. At the signal, grotesque lifeforms charged the Team 1 applicants. Bipedal like humans, crudely but armed monsters. Snub noses and jutting fangs marked them as Orcs.
"Orcs!"
"Form up!"
Orcs: classic E-Rank monsters.
Tough for F-Rank Hunters still, so at leader Min Hyeong-mo's shout, they quickly formed combat lines.
Frontmost.
Tanker Park Jeong-su stepped forward.
Shield hugged tight to body, he activated a skill to brace for enemy attacks.
'Iron Body.'
Flash.
Shield glowed.
Iron Body: temporary 5% defense boost skill.
Full prep done, Orcs closed in, snorting hot breath as they swung axes fiercely.
Screeech!
Crack!
"Ngh."
Park Jeong-su's body jolted hard.
Iron Body upped defense, but Orc power transmitted through shield. Good only three visible. Park Jeong-su shoved forward, repelling Orcs, steadily blocking follow-ups.
Rear secure thanks to him.
Now dealers and supports' turn.
"Now!"
Whoosh!
Archer's arrow and greatsword warrior struck simultaneous. Archer's Pinpoint skill aimed Orc brow, but Orc raised arm block. Intended. Open chest met greatsword cleaving deep.
Slash!
Splurt!
Blood sprayed.
Perfect combo: one Orc critically hit.
Orcs eyed dealers—lethal threat, switching targets. That's why tankers had 'Guardian Shield.' Essential for tanker hopefuls. Park Jeong-su's locked Orcs forward.
Holding no issue.
Team 1 had two priest supports; their heals and buffs bolstered him.
Smooth sailing.
Just time before Orcs down.
But overlooked fact.
These Orcs mere scouts; main group separate.
More Orcs charging from afar paled Park Jeong-su's face, once relaxed.
"Damn."
About 7-8.
Total ~10 for Team 1.
High difficulty.
Unadapted E-Rankers meant 2+ per person.
Battle turned brutal then.
Park Jeong-su couldn't solo block; despite two priests, one dealer aided front. Still, wounds mounted on Park Jeong-su over time. Bruised black from hits, thigh gashed bleeding.
Didn't retreat.
Tanker's fate: hold position to death.
Not for nothing #1 death rate. Then, watching from control, Kim Myung-min added to monitor.
As Kim Myung-min explained.
Not solo solvable.
Park Jeong-su looked near death, but dealers' aggro split and priests' heals bought breathing room. Team 1 knew: tank falls, they end there too. Had to unite.
Thankfully, Team 1 synced well.
Seemed rattled at first, but gradually pushed Orcs back as time passed.
Finally.
Thud!
Last Orc collapsed, sword in heart.
Team 1 members slumped exhausted on ground.
Exam over.
Team 1 returned to reality, joy short-lived as Park Jeong-su was carted off. Held to end with treatment, but combat aftermath caused agony.
Team 2 members froze.
Even burly Park Jeong-su ended that way—their tank holding? Anxiety.
Team 2 leader Jo Han-byeol said.
"...You gonna be okay?"
Cautious question.
Kang San sensed eyes on him.
He knew.
Their worries.
Park Jeong-su had solid basics, held well—but if he couldn't match, Team 2 crumbles.
However.
"Yes. No problem."
In Kang San's eyes, nothing hard about this exam.