Workshop (2)

The first three days of the workshop had passed.

The Association President felt more bewildered than pleased as he listened to the reports coming in.

"Another perfect score on the theory test. That's three days in a row. Maybe it's because he was a non-Awakened Hunter, but he's outstanding in everything from basic knowledge to applied skills."

"His concentration in difficult situations is also remarkable. Everyone else is struggling with the physical training, but he's as fresh as a daisy. It's like he's been off resting somewhere."

Even considering that he had knowledge from being a non-Awakened Hunter, getting perfect scores three days in a row after studying for only a few days meant his mind was exceptionally sharp. It wasn't just simple memorization; he also had the ability to apply what he learned.

"Association President, this guy's a genius. There's nothing to teach him in Imperial Basic Swordsmanship, and he wins all the sparring matches, so I told him to train on his own... and he's been creating his own swordsmanship?"

"What? Are you kidding me? No, really. Check the CCTV. You know I have an eye for talent. He's got a gift for swords."

It was the same with Weaponry class.

Creating swordsmanship? The Association President thought it was nonsense and checked the CCTV again. But it was true.

'It doesn't look very flashy, but...'

Blocking, slashing, blocking, thrusting.

A repetition of simple movements. It was closer to a technique than swordsmanship.

However, even to him, a former B-rank Warrior, it was a very practical and effective technique.

He understood why the instructor had made such a fuss about him creating new swordsmanship.

"When I asked why he focused on defense first, he said that Spatialists are likely to be positioned in the rear, so they need to protect their surroundings. He's got an eye for the big picture."

"Honestly, whether his Subspace ability is large or small, I just want to raise him as a front-line fighter."

The Association President scratched the back of his head after hearing the three days of reports.

'I was just hoping he'd be able to protect himself.'

He had simply thought of him as a rear support for the vanguard in the future, but the reports he was hearing were unusual.

Moreover, the swordsmanship instructor was a Hunter known for his keen eye. The Association President called his secretary.

"Seo Woong."

"Yes, sir."

"Let's prepare one more Elixir."

It was already decided that Han Hye would receive an Elixir. Even if there hadn't been such a system, he would have had to give him one.

The one they had originally prepared was an E-rank Elixir.

"What should we change it to? Should we prepare a D-rank?"

The Association President pondered for a moment.

"No, a C-rank. Let's go big."

Of course, giving him a C-rank wasn't confirmed yet. So far, what Han Hye had shown was perfect.

However, there was still something important left.

'The size of his Subspace.'

Considering he was a non-Awakened Hunter, his adaptability inside the Gate would undoubtedly be excellent even without practical training.

The current issue was the size of his Subspace.

The reason they had been paying attention to Han Hye in the first place was because his Subspace would be incredibly valuable if it was above a certain size.

If his Subspace was large, he planned to give him the C-rank Elixir immediately.

"Seo Woong, just in case, prepare a D-rank as well."

After listening to the reports for three days, the Association President's thoughts had changed. Even if his Subspace was only the size of a backpack...

If the talent he had shown in swordsmanship class was real, it might be ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠worth developing him in that direction.

That was assuming he would be raised as a front-line fighter or rear guard.

A small, backpack-sized Subspace wasn't a must-have, but it was definitely an advantage.

There were some Hunters with rare jobs who used their skills for support.

The basic D-rank Elixir would be given, and if his Subspace was large, a C-rank Elixir would be given.

'...Could he think it's not enough?'

A sudden worry arose. He was already showing the potential of a promising talent, and what if his Subspace skill was also outstanding?

Judging from his sharp mind in theory class, he wasn't someone who could be easily persuaded with a casual offer.

He would know the value of his abilities. In that case...

'How much should I offer him?'

It was a moment of deep contemplation for the Association President.

* * *

Over the past three days, I had maintained first place in all evaluations. It wasn't that difficult. I had prepared thoroughly from the start.

The physical training was insane, but I recovered quickly because I slept in my Subspace.

'If I was a little short on studying, I studied more in my Subspace.'

The Subspace where time didn't flow.

It felt like I was using a cheat code, but I didn't feel guilty at all. This was also my ability. If they were unhappy, they should have Awakened a Subspace.

'The Elixir is right around the corner.'

I was satisfied with my performance so far.

Now, there were two Gate practices left.

The key was from now on.

No matter what anyone said, the virtue of a Hunter was to conquer Gates and catch monsters. That was the most important thing.

But ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠I was confident I would do well. First of all, there was a difference in levels.

In terms of numbers, the students' levels were all 1.

I was level 6, and considering my stats, I had abilities equivalent to level 18.

On top of that, I possessed an E-rank swordsmanship. There was no way I could be worse than the other students.

"Han Hye, just a moment."

The instructor called me in front of the Gate. It was where the luggage to take inside was.

But... there was a lot of luggage.

'A test?'

Who am I? A non-Awakened Hunter, also known as a porter. I knew a thing or two about Gate experience and reading the room.

It wasn't blatant, but I could tell right away. The Association was checking my abilities right now.

"That's a lot of luggage, isn't it?"

"Haha..."

The instructor laughed awkwardly. I asked honestly.

"Are you trying to verify my abilities?"

"I wonder."

The instructor ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"Actually, yes. I was trying to do it moderately so you wouldn't be offended, but..."

"It's okay. I'm not offended."

To be honest, I was wondering when they would ask. I was getting impatient.

From what I heard, it seemed like they were worried I would be offended because of the Hunter Information Disclosure Act...

From the start, I had no ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠intention of hiding my Subspace's storage capacity.

I was actually waiting for it. That way, my value would increase, and I could receive good treatment.

'I need to make a lot of money to invest in Weaponry and buy Elixirs.'

What I wanted to hide were the 'hidden items' I had brought, such as the dragon egg and the Secret Arts that came out of the Subspace.

Those were things I couldn't protect with my current skills.

Revealing that I could go inside the Subspace didn't matter. That part could actually be used as an advantage.

Especially when it came to keeping watch during long stays inside the Gate.

If the situation was bad and there were injuries, I could keep watch alone without feeling tired.

How many Hunters in the world were like that?

"Should I put everything in?"

"Yes?"

The instructor was startled.

"Does it all fit? All of this?"

It seemed like he didn't think all the luggage would fit. I said nonchalantly.

"Yes. I experimented at home, and I can store about one container's worth."

"Crazy..."

The instructor, who had unknowingly cursed, quickly apologized.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"It's okay."

Seeing his doubtful expression, I put all the luggage in as if to show him. The instructor's eyes widened with each item I put in, and I was worried they might pop out later.

"H-How on earth..."

"My Subspace skill is S-rank."

"S, S-rank?"

The instructor was in shock, but he quickly regained his composure and guided me to the Gate.

I glanced back and saw the instructor holding his phone and hurriedly making a call.

'That's right. You should report it quickly.'

The corners of my lips curled up.

It was clear that a conversation about increasing my value would take place.

.

.

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[Hozanna Goblin Village]

Due to the entry limit of the Gate, the 32 students were divided into two groups based on their jobs.

Because the Gate practice methods were different, Warriors and Rogues were in Group 1, and Mages and Healers were in Group 2.

I chose Group 1. There were two reasons.

From the start, I intended to keep using the sword. My talent was also with the sword. So, it was better to be in a swordsmanship-focused group than in the Mage group.

I also considered the score. I had shown a good performance in swordsmanship class, but I wasn't a combat job.

That meant I wouldn't receive the effects of skills as much as other combat jobs.

The instructors would likely think my actual combat power wasn't that great.

If I showed outstanding combat abilities in that situation, it would naturally be a bonus.

"The Awakened Goblins will be hunted by the supervisors. After that, the Goblins will scatter, so you can hunt them."

This Gate practice was simple. It was a famous Gate like '□□ Forest'.

The supervisors would handle the dangerous Awakened ones. The remaining students would catch the Goblins.

"In case of an emergency, you can set off the signal flares we provided. But keep in mind, the supervisors are evaluators, not bodyguards. We cannot guarantee your survival 100%."

Of course, it wasn't completely safe.

The Hunter industry was cold. The one who survived was the strong one. The workshop had a similar tone.

If they couldn't easily handle even a low-level Gate, it was judged that their future was bleak.

The students had even written their wills last night.

[Uncle, I'm going into the Gate. If I die, you can have the deposit for my studio apartment.]

I was no exception. I wrote it roughly without much thought.

Well, my deposit wouldn't go to my uncle.

"If anyone wants to give up now, you can stay in place. It's not a shameful thing."

The instructor looked around and said, but of course, no one gave up.

"I understand that everyone will participate. The combat process and the number of Goblins caught will be included in the evaluation."

The practice was a Goblin hunting competition.

"Completed."

While he was explaining, one of the Hunters who had disappeared quickly approached. It meant he had taken care of the Awakened one.

I was a little disappointed. I wanted to fight against the Awakened one too. I guess it couldn't be helped?

"We will start now."

At the same time as the supervisor's words, the students began to run out.

"Uwaaaa!"

The students ran with shouts.

On the other hand, I was a little late because I was thinking about the Awakened one.

But there was no problem.

'The cheetah is smiling.'

Thanks to being covered in dragon blood, I gained a lot of stat benefits. In particular, my agility and stamina stats were three times higher than the students'.

By running moderately, I could easily overtake the people who had started first.

"Crazy..."

"Why is he so fast?"

I hadn't even used my full power yet, but I could hear the dumbfounded voices of the students I had caught up to.

* * *

'As expected.'

The supervisor sighed inwardly as he watched the students running. The key to this practice was stamina.

The goal was to catch 'many' Goblins scattered in the forest.

As time went on, the number of Goblins would decrease, and the students would have to move even more.

If they exhausted their stamina in the early stages while already scattered, there would be problems in the later stages.

Also, Goblins were weak but tenacious creatures. Breathing was important even when fighting. If they were ambushed while exhausted, it would lead to injuries.

The purpose of this practice was to see such judgment and response.

'I wondered, but it seems no one noticed.'

All the students were running towards the forest at full speed. The Spatialist he had been expecting was the same.

It couldn't be helped. This was an experience that could only be gained through actual combat.

The supervisor said to the people around him.

"From now on, we will chase the rear. If there are any exhausted students, watch them and protect them."

They were all talented people who would be helpful. The supervisors quickly followed to prevent the students from dropping out.

...However, these concerns were irrelevant to Han Hye.

"Kiek!"

He responded to the charging Goblin with Imperial Basic Swordsmanship. He had trained it to the point of boredom.

'Deflect and thrust.'

He lightly deflected and thrust with a flick of his wrist, keeping his sword extended. It was Imperial Basic Swordsmanship as it was.

Thwack-. The charging Goblin's neck was pierced.

Certainly, sparring and actual combat were different. The Goblin's height was about that of an elementary school student, so he had to adjust the position of the thrust.

Moreover, it wasn't a longsword but a short sword, so he needed to concentrate even when deflecting.

'I'm getting a little tired.'

Now, it was the sixth one. Feeling a little tired, Han Hye opened his Subspace without hesitation.

Who cared about stamina? If he got a little tired, he could rest in the Subspace where time was infinite and come out.

.

.

.

"First place, Han Hye, 15 Goblins."

Therefore, Han Hye was naturally in first place.