Chapter 10
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 10
Chapter Title: Camp (2)
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It wasn't long after I woke up in the morning, ate with the kids, when An Tae-woo came looking for us.
"Did everyone sleep well?"
"Yes. The camp is definitely more comfortable. Compared to camping in a place where monsters might wander around, this is paradise."
"Haha... I'm glad you think so. Seo Yu-ju has something to say to everyone. Please get ready within 20 minutes and gather in the center."
"Got it."
Once the conversation ended, An Tae-woo hurriedly left, probably to spread the word to the others.
The regressor must have called everyone together because of the scouting trip she mentioned yesterday.
There wasn't much to prepare—just slinging on our bags with gear and food—so we slowly headed to the center with the kids.
On the way, I overheard others talking as they moved.
"...I wonder what this is about, calling us like this... Do you know anything?"
"No, I have no idea... Maybe they found more food and brought it back?"
Hearing the man and woman chatting made me scoff.
'Idiots.'
Their first thought upon hearing a muster order was that we'd brought food. With all the favors piling up, they were starting to act like it was expected. The more I listened, the more ridiculous it seemed.
It didn't sound like a meaningful conversation, so I tuned them out.
'Even if volunteers step up from this bunch, will they be any use?'
Most of them had the wrong mindset, regardless of their status windows or stats.
I hadn't checked everyone yet, but I wasn't expecting much anyway—and now I was just disappointed, which left me feeling nothing but negative.
Soon after we gathered in the center, everyone had assembled, and the regressor made her appearance.
All eyes turned to her.
"...I'm sure you're all wondering why I called you here so early in the morning. Before I get into that, could a few people please come forward?"
She nodded toward our group. Me and the kids slowly moved to her side. The others looked curious about why she was singling us out.
"Lee Yun-seong here and the students will be going out on a scouting trip with me. But this time, we're not going alone—we're looking for volunteers to join us."
A murmur rippled through the crowd at her words.
"I hope you won't be too scared about heading outside. I understand the fear of facing monsters, but there's plenty to gain. Scouting benefits you all too."
A man raised a question to her.
"Uh... benefits? You mean food?"
'Is food the only thing in these idiots' heads?'
She shook her head.
"No. Bringing back food is one gain, but this is something else. Check your status windows—your job slots are probably empty. You might not know this, but killing monsters unlocks a job. You can get stronger, just like me. Lee Yun-seong and the students here have killed monsters and gained jobs."
A fair number probably knew already. I'd heard a few in this camp had jobs before, though they were out now. Still, most seemed surprised, so maybe the unaware outnumbered them.
"This is a great opportunity for you. But too many people would complicate things, so we're taking two to four volunteers max. If you're interested, raise your hand."
No one moved for about 30 seconds, but then a woman raised her hand. Someone I'd never seen in camp before.
"I... I'm Song Ha-eun... It's scary, but... could I get stronger too?"
I pulled up her status window.
Name:Song Ha-eun
Age:22
Job:Unclassed
Title:None
Unique Traits:
- Blessing of Spirits (Grade measuring) - Spirits feel tremendous affinity for you. They pay attention to you anytime, anywhere.
- Perfect Mana Circuit (Grade measuring) - Your mana circuit is astonishingly clean. All mana-using activities receive bonuses.
'Fuck.'
Two unique traits. And considering Yu-hyeon's mana started at 3, her 8 was overwhelming.
This woman was a monster. Grades still measuring, so no exact rank, but the names alone screamed potential.
'...I have to get close to her, no matter what.'
I needed to watch the regressor too, but honestly, I had no history with her.
Sorry to her, but I had to prioritize anyone with real talent. The weird part? The regressor showed no reaction to her face.
Which meant...
'...She died early in the first round?'
Very possible. Her status suggested big things in round one, but if it was post-tutorial, the regressor would've recognized her.
'Or... maybe she kept a low profile.'
"Of course, Song Ha-eun. Thank you for your courage."
Some time passed after Song Ha-eun volunteered, but no one else raised a hand.
The regressor looked deeply disappointed, like she hadn't expected so few takers.
In the end, she followed through on yesterday's warning.
"...One more thing. Due to food shortages, we'll reduce rations. Priority to those who scout."
People froze, thinking they'd misheard, then a few snapped out of it and started protesting.
"...What?! Reducing food rations?!"
"That's ridiculous! Why...!"
"....."
The regressor's face darkened. She clearly hadn't anticipated such brazenness.
'People start thinking favors are entitlements when they keep coming. These guys are just extreme.'
"...Because we have too few scouts. Lots of mouths, few providers."
"Even so! Do you know how many here are old enough to be your parents?! How could you?! Would you do this to your own parents?!"
It was that uncle I'd glimpsed when An Tae-woo showed us around.
'...Padlip in this situation?'
I got why crowds turn irrational—individuals can think straight, but groups breed madness.
They were fixated on losing their share, blind to who they were yelling at.
Sure enough, the mood chilled instantly. Not just the vibe. This was...
'Fuck... you crazy bastard... Spouting nonsense...!'
"Wha—what...?!"
Unable to withstand the killing intent directed at him, the uncle collapsed, legs giving out.
The regressor approached him slowly. Others, intimidated by her presence, backed away, clearing a path.
"...Say it again. What did you say?"
"Uh... th-that was..."
"I protect you, bring you food, so you think I'm a pushover?"
Finally realizing who he'd mouthed off to, the man's face went ashen.
"...Hey, what was your name? Can't even remember. Answer me! Head not turning yet? Listen up—this ain't Earth. Age means shit. You're the one who needs to kneel. Still don't get it? Want me to teach you?"
"S-Sorry! I misspoke! Please...!"
He begged on his knees.
Everyone except our group was seeing this side of the regressor for the first time—pure fear. She was sparing us, keeping her aura away.
Focusing her killing intent on him, the man suddenly pissed himself pathetically.
"Hic... Hiiik... Huhuuk..."
"Uncle, be careful from now on. No next time. Got it?"
He nodded frantically, desperate.
She returned to her spot, face icy, and continued.
"...I'm not your parent. Remember that. Anyway, volunteers—priority rations. Raise your hand if you really want to. No pressure."
A man raised his hand. An Tae-woo.
"Uh... An Tae-woo, you sure? I'd welcome it, but..."
"Yes. If you're okay with it, I'd like to scout by your side."
'This guy's face... what's with that excitement?'
An Tae-woo's expression looked thrilled.
"Great. Thanks for stepping up."
"The pleasure's mine."
"Volunteers are set—disperse. Good job, everyone. Non-scouts, back to your spots."
Judging no more would come, she dismissed them. They scattered fast, spooked by her display.
"Scout team, over here. Total... six. Song Ha-eun, An Tae-woo—what weapons do you use?"
"I picked a spear like you."
"Uh... I chose a dagger... It was chaos at first..."
"Mm. So two spears, three daggers, one club and shield. Yun-seong's a Dark Sorcerer, but..."
"...I did class into Dark Sorcerer, but I can't use much magic. Maybe two or three times a day max."
I could cast about three times daily, and only one spell so far. Save magic for emergencies; club and shield for regular fights.
"That's plenty, Yun-seong. Good. Grab your gear. We leave in 30 minutes. Goals: jobs for the unclassed, food, and clues to clear the tutorial. Prepare."