Teamwork (2)
Cheongram Jujul Academy teachers' meeting room.
"You all know that the top team from Je-ryeong Class in the upcoming inter-team competition gets thrown straight into real combat missions, right?"
"Of course. To deploy them in the field, they need solid teamwork, and there's no better way to test that."
The teachers gathered around the table, exchanging opinions.
"Most of these hot-blooded kids are dying to get field experience and unleash their powers freely, so the motivation is a sure thing."
"Exactly. Sending them on low-risk missions hones their combat sense and serves as training—one stone, two birds."
Then, someone tossed a question at Pi Yu-jun.
"By the way, Teacher Pi. I heard you sent Team 1 into that tunnel with a Gashin spirit not long ago? Isn't that too dangerous for first-years?"
Pi Yu-jun leaned crookedly in his chair, peeling the wrapper off a candy.
"Ah, that. Yeah, I figured those kids could handle it, so I sent them."
"It's not just about handling it."
"They all came back without a single scratch. Need I say more?"
The teachers' eyes widened at that.
"Not even the tiniest injury?"
"Ho... As expected of the top entrant. To pull that off while dragging along the kid everyone was worried about. Seo Tae-yun must have some outstanding abilities."
"Yeah. Protecting his teammates while taking down a Gashin—impressive."
Pi Yu-jun popped the candy in his mouth and curled his lips.
They have no idea who the real MVP was. The kid they were worried about basically spoon-fed them half the win.
Of course, he had no intention of bragging to seek recognition.
But it irked him all the same.
No one's even asking if Do-gyeol's adapting well.
Suddenly, a mischievous smile spread across his face.
"How about all of you come observe the Je-ryeong Class inter-team competition this time?"
"Observe?"
"Yes. Your advice could be a huge lesson for the kids."
The teachers nodded.
"Sounds good. I was looking forward to seeing Kang Hak or Baek Seo-rin in action anyway. Oh, and Seo Tae-yun too, of course."
Pi Yu-jun just smiled silently.
*
"Next week, there'll be an inter-team competition."
The classroom buzzed at the sudden announcement.
"Rules and format will be explained on the day. Additionally, the winning team will be assigned real combat missions periodically."
Real combat missions? Do-gyeol's eyes lit up.
More chances to cut loose with my powers, and above all, more opportunities to gobble up stray yeong-ryeok?
The other kids' eyes burned with enthusiasm too.
But not everyone reacted the same.
"No way! Why do first place get punished?!"
Kang Hak scowled deeply at the wail. Of all people, one of his teammates spouting that crap.
"Shut it! If I catch you sabotaging to avoid first, you'll die by my hand first!"
The banter continued elsewhere.
"Hak's gotta be thrilled. Now he has an excuse if he doesn't take first."
"Shut up. Rank or no rank, if we meet in the competition, I'll fold you in half."
"Oh no, I'm so scared."
Baek Seo-rin smiled sweetly, her eyes crinkling.
"Then can I take your head?"
"Both of you, quiet. Before I make you like that guy."
Everyone's gaze followed Pi Yu-jun's chin gesture—to Seo Tae-yun, whose nose and mouth were taped shut with duct tape.
So that's how I lost to a guy like that?
Kang Hak and Baek Seo-rin looked utterly exasperated.
"Anyway." Pi Yu-jun drew attention back.
"I won't tell you to practice syncing up during the prep period for the inter-team competition. You know real combat values synergy over individual skill, so no need to force team building. You're old enough to figure it out yourselves. Do what you want. If you slack and lose, that's on you, not me. So I won't nag about gathering to train or whatever..."
Blood trickled from the kids' ears.
Just tell us to do it...
*
So this is where they do theory classes.
Do-gyeol peeked into the classroom labeled "Do-ryeong Class" from the hallway. The blackboard had basics on yin-yang five elements and yeong-ryeok flow.
Afternoon classes ended early, nothing to do. Wonder if I can sit in.
Honestly, he envied the straightforward explanations. He'd learned zilch formally, just diving headfirst into danger.
"What're you doing here?"
He jumped at the voice behind him and whipped around. Seo Tae-yun stood there, expressionless.
"Whoa, you scared me. Make some noise when you walk."
"Couldn't find you or Yun Ga-eun, so I was looking. No sign of her?"
"Yun Ga-eun? Haven't seen her either."
"Then let's head to the training ground, just us. We gotta do what needs doing."
At the training ground, a familiar back came into view.
"Yun Ga—!"
Do-gyeol started to wave excitedly, but Seo Tae-yun stopped him.
"She's focused."
As Seo Tae-yun said, Yun Ga-eun was intently drawing a complex jin array on the ground.
Then she sensed them.
"Ah, you scared me!"
Yun Ga-eun flinched and looked at Do-gyeol and Seo Tae-yun.
"When did you guys get here? Say something."
"You seemed absorbed."
"So what were you doing?"
Yun Ga-eun scratched her cheek sheepishly at Do-gyeol's question.
"Anyone can just talk like before. But there might be times when info alone isn't enough—you need help. I don't wanna be a burden, so I've been researching spells."
Do-gyeol patted her shoulder.
"Good job."
Yun Ga-eun beamed, then suddenly stared at Do-gyeol as something clicked.
"But Do-gyeol. Last time was hectic, so I didn't ask properly—how'd you break the hallucination?"
Seo Tae-yun perked up beside her. That was the part he was most curious about too. He'd heard about the absorption, but this was a separate issue.
The chat reactions were polarized. Spill and lose. Spill and gain.
I agree she might offer unexpected angles...
But somehow, the "no need to broadcast it" side resonated more.
"Hm, less what I did and more like... I'm just naturally resistant to hallucinations, I guess."
"Resistant?"
"Yeah. Once I got a bit used to it, the perception distortion kinda eased up."
"It's your constitution! You seemed a bit different even on the first day!"
Yun Ga-eun nodded innocently. Seo Tae-yun tilted his head but didn't press further.
"Alright, mysteries cleared. Down to business."
Yun Ga-eun erased the jin on the ground and stood.
"Time to plan for the inter-team competition. Teacher didn't announce early and give time for nothing—it's for syncing up."
Do-gyeol tilted his head.
"But no specific rules yet. How do we strategize?"
"It's inter-team. Not like before with individual records—teams will clash directly for sure."
Yun Ga-eun chattered brightly, eyes sparkling.
"At least two teams in the same space at once. Tons more variables."
"Makes sense."
"So, Tae-yun." She turned to the team leader, Seo Tae-yun. "How about flipping the formation completely?"
"Flipping?"
"Yeah. Do-gyeol up front. Me in the center. You in the rear."
Do-gyeol freaked.
"Why me up front? Using me as bait?!"
"No, hear me out."
Yun Ga-eun explained earnestly.
"Do-gyeol, your perception's the sharpest. Hallucination resistance means that. Frontline spots variables and traps first."
It didn't sound totally absurd.
"I'll coordinate front and back from center, relay info instantly, suggest counters for surprises. Tae-yun covers rear."
She added to Seo Tae-yun.
"You're the strongest stats-wise, with ranged spells. Block rear ambushes, support front with fire if needed."
"Not bad." Seo Tae-yun nodded.
"Especially against Baek Seo-rin's team—this formation's ideal. She'll target the back over a head-on fight, so rear guard's crucial."
Yun Ga-eun calmly explained, then added a caveat.
"But against Kang Hak's team, we revert. Frontline then."
"Why?"
"Kang Hak's pride means 99% chance he barrels in with raw power. No way Do-gyeol tanks that speed and explosions. You block frontline."
Do-gyeol gaped.
"You little genius!"
Seo Tae-yun smiled faintly in agreement.
"Good. Let's drill this formation as base."
Yun Ga-eun's lips curved shyly as her teammates respected her input.
*
Time flew. The trio attended classes, met at the training ground in free time to plan and sync.
"Do-gyeol, trap at 3 o'clock right!"
"Got it!"
Simulations assuming virtual foes. When Do-gyeol tripped and rolled, they'd huddle for Plan B.
"If injured, I'll carry and run."
"Account for formation breaks on unexpected vars."
In training, Do-gyeol openly showed talisman jumps or attacks in front of them. The two, initially shocked, soon wove his erratic moves into tactics perfectly.
Days later. Outdoor training ground at sunset.
"Hoo..."
Do-gyeol wiped sweat from his brow, breathing hard. Confidence, not fatigue, etched his face.
"This should be solid."
"Don't get cocky. Opponents are who they are."
Yun Ga-eun approached, handing him a cold water bottle.
"Thanks."
Do-gyeol gulped it down, then casually tossed the rest to Seo Tae-yun behind him.
Thud. Seo Tae-yun caught it wordlessly, downed the rest, wiped his mouth.
"Over-tensing is bad too. Can ruin what should work."
Do-gyeol chuckled, glancing between them.
"So, 'relax just enough, tense just enough'?"
Yun Ga-eun grinned wide and nodded. Seo Tae-yun's lips twitched faintly.
The ragtag Team 1 finally meshed like perfect gears.
And finally.
The day of the Je-ryeong Class inter-team competition dawned.