Chapter 51: I’m Going to Be a Prospect Starting Today (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 51: I’m Going to Be a Prospect Starting Today (3)
Square Garden, Clan Leader’s Office.
[Heroes Jeong Yeon-woo and Kwon Ye-jin’s Rapid Ascent! Conquering D-3 Just One Day After D-2]
Lee Ru-da stared at the article on her monitor with calm eyes.
Though thirty minutes had passed since she first fixed her gaze on the screen, she hadn't moved an inch. Her eyes were locked on the photo of Jeong Yeon-woo attached to the article, but her mind seemed to be elsewhere, her slender fingers tapping rhythmically against the desk.
After a long period of contemplation, Lee Ru-da scrolled down to the comments to see the public's reaction.
There were more comments about Jeong Yeon-woo’s looks than praise for his skills. In fact, many of them were so crude they could be considered sexual harassment, but Lee Ru-da scrolled through them dispassionately.
She paused for a moment, hesitated, and then placed her hands on the keyboard.
Achieve0913: Using firearms against monsters is only viable against D-rank threats. To break the mana membrane that clings to a monster’s skin like a second hide, one must inject a similar amount of mana. However, the surface area of a bullet is too small... (omitted)
Though she wasn't a particularly fast typist, Lee Ru-da diligently composed a long, detailed comment.
She felt a sense of pride in her work, believing it was necessary to provide professional knowledge so the general public wouldn't be misled by incorrect information.
However, the internet was a cruel place for someone like her, who had spent her life doing nothing but training and raiding dungeons since before she had even reached adulthood.
Achieve0913: Using firearms against monsters is...
ㄴ Holy shit, what is this person even saying? I can't understand a word. Someone give me a 3-line summary.
ㄴ Behold! A basement-dwelling twat-expert has appeared!
ㄴ Some loser bitch is cunting around trying to nitpick just because someone else is doing well, lol. You’re a man, aren't you? Go back to your heavy breathing.
ㄴ Actually, they aren't wrong.
ㄴ Bullshit. People like this are just pussy-losers in real life who try to recover their self-esteem by acting smart on the internet.
Because the article was so popular, dozens of replies flooded her comment in less than five minutes.
A vein throbbed in Lee Ru-da’s forehead as she began typing another long response, but the more seriously she wrote, the more the mockery intensified.
After wrestling with these faceless strangers for a long time, she finally had to give up.
'I will not forget this humiliation.'
Lee Ru-da buried her face in her hands on the desk, her shoulders trembling.
However, she recovered quickly. With a small sigh, she lifted her head and picked up the phone.
"Tell the research team to look into the practicality of Jeong Yeon-woo’s mana bullets. No, don't focus on attack power—focus on the support magic aspect."
Lee Ru-da hung up and turned her eyes back to the photo of Jeong Yeon-woo.
After watching the videos of him clearing dungeons a few times, she had immediately realized the true power of those mana bullets.
That wasn't a combat style meant for attacking; it was a method for supporting others.
Ever since the Belarus incident, everyone had been agonizing over how to integrate supporters into parties, but Jeong Yeon-woo looked as if he had already perfected the theory.
Most support magic and skills have short ranges or target broad areas, making them difficult to manage. Area-of-effect spells are hard to use in the heat of battle because they affect everyone within the zone, friend or foe alike. Short-range support magic forces fragile supporters to get dangerously close to monsters during a chaotic melee.
While everyone else was trying to figure out how to extend the range of support magic by modifying incantations, Jeong Yeon-woo had chosen the method of imbuing bullets with magic.
A paradigm shift.
But even that wasn't easy. It required mana control that had already surpassed D-rank—no, it was a level of control that wouldn't be out of place for an A-rank.
'Did they say his skill was Mana Detection...?'
Since he could perceive mana as if he were seeing it with his eyes, it was a skill that made learning magic easier. Though its range was limited, it boasted a 100% detection rate in dungeons because of the mana membranes covering the monsters' skin. It made learning magic easy, making it the most highly-regarded supporter skill in the current attacker-centric system.
However, it was only "highly-regarded" among supporters. Since supporters themselves were generally looked down upon, Jeong Yeon-woo had been destined to be overlooked.
Tactics to integrate supporters into parties were currently being researched, but no one knew how many years it would take to test them in the field and prove their utility. By the time supporters finally found their place—four or five years at the earliest—Jeong Yeon-woo would likely have failed to grow properly due to being ignored.
Jeong Yeon-woo, who should have remained at the fringes of the attacker-centric system without ever seeing the light of day, was proving his worth through his own strength.
Lee Ru-da looked at the photo of Jeong Yeon-woo, who was striking a pose with the gun barrel against his forehead, wearing an awkward smile.
She, too, had been asked to strike strange poses by reporters when she was young.
Seeing Jeong Yeon-woo’s expression, which mirrored the awkwardness she had felt back then, Lee Ru-da let out a small chuckle. She shook her head and walked out of the Clan Leader’s office.
"Gah! Finally, freedom!"
Kwon Ye-jin threw her hands up and shouted the moment we stepped out of the dungeon.
The shutters of the reporters' cameras, who had been waiting for any scrap of news, clicked incessantly. That photo would probably be the one used most in tomorrow's articles.
At first, Kwon Ye-jin had been awkward when the reporters pointed their cameras at her, but true to her adaptable nature, she didn't care at all anymore.
"Hero Jeong Yeon-woo! Are you going to sign an extension with Break Line?!"
"Hero Kwon Ye-jin! We’re curious about your story of overcoming difficult times while drifting between clans to finally find success! Can we get a quick interview?!"
"Hero Jeong Yeon-woo..."
Since the area around the dungeon was cordoned off to civilians, the reporters couldn't cross the line and could only shout at the top of their lungs.
They seem desperate since we aren't giving them any interviews.
But a bit of mystery is good for boosting popularity and focusing attention. The more we refuse interviews, the harder the reporters will scramble to dig up even the smallest detail, and the more posts will spread across the internet.
"Master, today was really tough. I’m exhausted."
Ye-jin said, rubbing her shoulders.
"You did well. I’m sorry for making so many unreasonable demands."
"Well, it’s just the two of us, so it can't be helped. It’s better for me to take the hits since I’m sturdy, rather than you getting hurt, Master."
Following D-3, we conquered D-4, and today we cleared D-5.
Since the minimum requirement to move to the next level is clearing dungeons of the same level four times, we cleared them four times a day. The reporters were watching with bated breath to see how far our streak would go.
Every five stages, the number of clears required to advance increases by one, so next time, we’ll have to clear five times to move forward.
Many people predicted that we wouldn't be able to jump to the next level in one go starting from D-5.
And they were right.
To be honest, we’re cutting it a bit close now.
No matter how much support I poured in, Kwon Ye-jin was still a hero who hadn't even shed her rookie tag, and crucially, we lacked offensive power.
Neither of us had skills related to attacking; our positions were Defender and Supporter.
Up until now, I had been filling the role of an Attacker as well, but as the dungeon level rises, the monsters' mana membranes get tougher.
I could ditch the gun and pick up a sword, but then I’d be forced to transition into a full-blown Attacker.
In a world where supporters can't even land a heal during combat, who would I trust to fight while risking life and limb as an Attacker? Even if I could be resurrected, I don't want to die, and I certainly don't want to suffer the pain of being wounded.
I can endure a certain amount, but I won't stand for being told to go out and fight while my arm is severed or my guts are hanging out.
If we pushed ourselves, we could probably make it to D-7.
But the further we go, the more Ye-jin will be overworked in battle. Just as I don't want to suffer, I don't want my party members to suffer either.
And while she’s full of resolve now because of the public attention and the thrill of the "dojo challenge" style of clearing dungeons, her mental state will slowly erode as the battles get harder.
Ultimately, we either had to reduce the number of daily clears or find an Attacker.
I wondered which would have a greater impact.
If we reduced the number of clears here, people would say, "I knew it," and interest in us would wane.
Since we’ve cleared Level 5, the timing seems right to add one more person. It feels like a dramatic development. Whether that makes us look like cowards or heroes is up to individual judgment.
Since I’ve been rapidly raising my rank as a prospect in just a week, people will love it if I introduce another similar prospect.
And I happen to know a very promising Attacker.
"Say cheese, Master."
"Cheeeese—"
Ye-jin wrapped her arm around me and took a selfie while I spoke half-heartedly.
Since I blocked all interviews with reporters, Ye-jin’s hobby had become posting photos to apps like Instagram every time we cleared a dungeon. Since almost all the photos were of her and me, it felt like the account had just become a status update for our party, but Ye-jin smiled contentedly.
"Hehehe... I’m a celebrity now."
Even though she didn't even have a million followers yet, the celebrity-dreaming Ye-jin hopped into the Thunderblue, took one more photo, and started driving.
Our used compact car, the Thunderblue, had become quite famous in its own right. Since we were the only heroes driving such a car, it couldn't help but stand out. Whenever a photo of the car was posted, Ye-jin’s followers would affectionately call it "Thunderblue" and cheer.
I guess once you’re famous, people love whatever you do.
Since this was a level of popularity I never had in my previous life, I acted indifferent, but I was actually a little excited.
Fearing I might lose sight of my original goal if I got caught up in the fame, I didn't even install the app and just let Ye-jin enjoy it.
"Master, are you coming to get a massage from the trainers too?"
"You go ahead today. I have somewhere to stop by."
"Huh? If it’s going to be quick, I’ll wait and we can go together."
"I’m not sure if it’ll be quick or not. I’m going to see Hero Yoon A-young."
"Oh? Senior? Hmm... So you’re finally going to bring in an Attacker."
Wow—Kwon Ye-jin is actually starting to think, probably because I’ve been nagging her so much about tactics. Well, she’s been tanking all the monsters by herself, so she must have been desperate for an Attacker.
Fortunately, she didn't seem to have any complaints about adding another person. I was actually looking forward to scolding her if she insisted on continuing with just the two of us, so that’s a bit of a shame.
"Master, you said you and Senior knew each other from before, right? Then I’ll stay out of it. Go have your talk."
"I’m moved to see you growing so much."
"Ugh, there you go again. This is the part where you’re supposed to say I’m a cool woman with a big heart."
"Your heart was so big it blew my desk away in one shot."
"I said I was sorry about that! I’m reflecting! Just go, I’m going to get my massage."
Ye-jin hurried away as if she were escaping.
I watched her back as she disappeared toward the recovery room, then headed to the training grounds. New heroes began calling out to me.
"Senior, good work today."
"Are you going to keep going with just Kwon Ye-jin for the next dungeon? Don't you need an Attacker?"
"Senior Jeong Yeon-woo, do you have some time today?"
Since the articles kept referring to me as a hero, the rookies were treating me like one too. It was technically true since I was clearing dungeons, but being called "Senior" instead of "Supervisor" felt awkward.
I walked along, answering the rookies who had stopped their training to flock to me, when I spotted Yoon A-young swinging her sword alone in the simulation training ground.
Her silver hair fluttered in the air as she moved with an elegance that showed her skills had clearly improved.
This is why I’m so jealous of geniuses.
It felt like only yesterday she was being chased by Manderus like a total amateur, but now her swordsmanship and posture were remarkably stable.
"Tuck your chin a bit more. It’s good to keep your eyes on the distance, but your head is tilted too far back."
When I offered advice from behind, Yoon A-young didn't even look surprised. She lowered her chin and continued to face the holographic monsters.
Even though Jeong I-dam and Park Hae-in had ultimately refused to sign and moved to other clans, leaving her party on the verge of dissolution, Yoon A-young hadn't slacked off and was still pushing toward her goal.
Her sword, accompanied by her visually stunning freezing ability, sliced through the monsters, and her training session came to an end. She looked good as she wiped the sweat trickling down her jawline with the back of her hand.
"Why are you here?"
"Why do you think I’m here?"
"...Traitor."
When I spoke with a smile, Yoon A-young glared at me with her beautiful golden eyes.
"Huh? Traitor? Why?"
"...Did you already forget your promise?"
Promise...
Ah, the promise to go into a dungeon together? And Yoon A-young had said she would be my first party member.
Looking closely, she wasn't angry; she was sulking. She’d been brooding over that?
I found her so cute that I couldn't help but let out a laugh.
"What’s so funny?"
"Nothing, you’re just cute. And I haven't made a party yet."
Yoon A-young flinched at being called cute, but her expression soured at my next words.
"Kwon Ye-jin is just a hero I’m specifically in charge of."
"The two of you seemed plenty happy clearing dungeons and taking photos together. Do you really think an excuse like that will work?"
So you did look at the app Ye-jin is obsessed with.
Though she had confessed it herself, Yoon A-young didn't seem to realize it and just kept glaring at me.
"It’s true. We don't even have a party name yet, and we haven't officially registered as a party."
"..."
"That’s why I’m going to do it now."
Yoon A-young reacted to my last words by furrowing her brows, but she didn't say anything. Her eyes, filled with complex emotions, were wavering.
"What do you think would be a good name?"
"Why are you asking me? Ask Kwon Ye-jin."
"Because..."
I continued with a sly smile.
"I’m going to form a party with the three of us, including you."
Yoon A-young’s beautiful eyes wavered even more than before, but a spark of light began to dance in them. As an uncontrollable smile began to bloom, she quickly turned her head away to hide her face.