Chapter 8

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Translator: penny

Chapter: 8

Chapter Title: Heading to Training

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"Huaaaah..."

I overslept today.

The moment I woke up, I checked the time on my smartphone. It was already 11 a.m.

First things first, morning routine.

I didn't write my daily post yesterday. Gotta catch up on that, including today's.

Of course, not on the High School Grad Job Gallery where I used to post consistently. I'm switching over to Behind now.

I've been lurking there sometimes, and it helped me out when I first awakened, so it feels kinda cozy.

Does that mean I'm ditching High School Grad Job Gallery?

Nah, I'll drop some ham burger posts there later.

I don't abandon places I've been hanging out at for long.

Hing. Why don't they believe me.

But that punchy grandpa's name is Jang Taesan, huh.

He looks like he'd throw some good punches.

'Yeah... it still doesn't feel real. Even for me.'

The fact that I awakened and turned into a girl.

And meeting Chomper thanks to my awakened powers.

Joining Behind and meeting Officer Bong Seonhwa.

Getting caught in a Gate and turning those gross flies into Chomper's munch-fest party.

Fist King Jang...

No. The scary-looking but nice Bureau Chief grandpa.

Going to register as an Awakener, and Chomper going all flap flap with its leaves, scaring the researchers.

It was all exciting stuff, but when I got home, I felt lonely thinking if I'd ever see those people again.

Thud thud.

Of course, with this cute Chomper waddling over right now, the loneliness fades a bit.

"Chomper, sleep well?"

Nod nod.

Chomper nodded, then swung its stem like an arm, showing off how full of energy it was.

This guy sleeps like a plant?

After stuffing itself yesterday, its belly was all pooched out while sleeping.

"Oh right. Chomper, you thirsty right now by any chance?"

Shake shake.

Like watering plants every day, I was gonna offer some water, but it's fine?

"Then when you're thirsty, go drink from the faucet over there by the sink. You can do that, right?"

Nod nod.

Smart cookie. Pet pet pat pat.

Chomper's pretty unique.

I figured it'd need constant care like a regular plant, but it moves on its own and does everything perfectly when I tell it.

Now that I've taught it about drinking water, it'll handle that too, right?

The all-purpose smart plant that goes for walks on its own!

Could totally advertise it like that.

Of course, it's my friend, so no selling. Hehe.

— Ring ring!

Zoning out for a while.

While petting Chomper, my phone rang.

010-xxxx-xxxx

Officer Bong Seonhwa

Just like I noted on Behind, we exchanged numbers before parting yesterday.

What's this call about?

"Hello?"

— Miss Chorok, your registration card just came out. You need to pick it up in person, but if you'd like, I can bring it over.

"Ah, I'll come get it. I have a bus card!"

Feels bad always asking for rides.

It's convenient, but treats Officer Bong Seonhwa like a chauffeur.

Me using a secret agent super spy like Officer Bong Seonhwa as an errand girl?

That ain't right.

— Oh, the reason I'm coming over is for something else too.

"Something else?"

— As part of the Awakener Protection Program, the Bureau runs training sessions. There's one today—if you're okay with it, I'd recommend you join.

Training?

Like some kinda class or education?

I'm bad at studying and hate it...

"Is it hard studying stuff?"

— No. More like hands-on experience. As a brand-new Hunter, you'd benefit from learning the basics.

True, I still don't know much about being a Hunter.

I never thought I'd awaken—it felt like some far-off story from another world.

"Does that mean Chomper comes too?"

— Of course. The training involves experiencing a dungeon-type Gate owned by the nation.

Dungeon-type Gate.

Like the grindy place I went to before?

Shake shake.

I shook my head. Don't wanna remember collapsing that day.

The result? I'm young and spry now, a proper Hunter.

Lucky me.

"I'll go."

Decided after a quick think.

Curious what Gates normal Hunters go to.

But hopefully not crawling with gross flies only.

That'd be nasty.

— Great. I'll text you when I arrive.

Click.

Call ended.

"Chomper, we're going to training today. You in?"

Nod nod.

Good. Chomper's on board too—let's do this!

In the car.

I pouted at the issued registration card.

Why?

Not the design. Not cuz it's A-rank.

My photo was printed on like a total dingus.

Did I make that face for the pic?

"Um... what's with my photo on the registration card...?"

"Ah. The machine took a photo automatically during measurement yesterday."

Tell me first! I didn't know!

I was sprawled out on the comfy chair like a total doofus.

"Not happy with it?"

"Yeah..."

"Registrations need periodic renewal anyway, so you can get a new one with a fresh photo then."

Phew. Good.

Won't let that happen next time.

I'll dress sharp in a suit, pose all super ultra elite-like.

Even Fist King Bureau Chief grandpa approved.

I'm a Hidden Class.

Gotta lock in the cool vibe.

"Where's the training at?"

"Yangpyeong in Gyeonggi-do. Long drive— you tired?"

"No, not that."

Just curious since it's not the HQ from yesterday.

Training's way out there.

What's it like?

All I see out the window are mountains and trees.

"Ten more minutes. Hang in there."

"Okay. Guess I'll scroll my phone."

I turned Behind back on—I'd shut it off before heading out.

Gonna ask about the training.

Eeeh. Spill more.

Why plastic or paper bags?

No clue.

How's that related to training?

"...Miss Chorok, we're here."

"Get out here?"

"Yes."

The car seemed to climb high into the mountains, then veered onto a side path and stopped in a clearing.

— Thunk.

"Chomper, let's get out. You were so good staying put in the car."

I scooped up the well-behaved Chomper and set it down on the dirt.

Lots of other cars around. Looks like a parking lot.

One caught my eye—a yellow bus.

Korea Hunter Prodigy School?

Hunter school? It's training, but kids come too?

"Something wrong, Miss Chorok?"

"Isn't that a school bus?"

"Ah, the integrated elementary-middle-high Hunter Prodigy School has field trip experience learning today too."

Gasp. Kids really coming?

I'm only a tiny bit worried.

Being around future sprout buddies might feel weird.

Officer Bong Seonhwa misunderstood me at first sight.

Mixing with students? Totally possible.

"I get the concern. No mixing. Completely separate locations. This dungeon-type Gate spot has two oddly."

Ah, got it.

Different from mine then.

No problem.

Felt a bit iffy, but separate means relief.

"From here, we hike up a bit. Tell me if tired—we'll take breaks."

"Okay."

Thud thud.

Trailing behind Officer Bong Seonhwa.

— ♩♪♩♬!

After 20 minutes.

Suppressing my huffing and puffing, hiking up up up...

Past the iron gate labeled Samhwa Mine.

My phone rang.

"Hold on, taking this call."

"Sure."

"Hello. Ah, yes. Handling HQ admin on behalf of that Hunter..."

Not mine—Officer Bong Seonhwa's.

Sounded super complicated back and forth.

That vibe is cool.

Answering calls, procedures this and that, sorting it zip zap.

"...Yes. All prepared docs, bringing them."

On the call.

She flipped through papers in her other hand.

"Oh dear..."

Halfway through, she looked puzzled.

Something wrong?

"Miss Chorok, sorry. Mind waiting here a sec? Need to run back to the car quick."

"Sure, I'll wait."

To the car? Forgot something?

She's dashing off after my okay—must be urgent.

"Chomper, we'll wait a bit."

Nod nod.

Chomper nodding from my arms.

Bit wild yesterday, tame today.

"Ooh, this spot's nice. Let's sit here."

I hopped onto a good sitting rock.

"Yaaawn..."

Sun blazing. Bald head gleaming.

Warm light filtering through trees made me yawn quick.

Nod nod.

Chomper in my arms getting sleepy too, head swaying...

"Huh? Chomper! No sleeping."

Soon belly pooch pooch, snoozing away.

Won't wake even if I shake.

Sunny warmth got to it.

"Huuuuh..."

Watching it made my eyes heavy too.

The climb was tough. Just a bit. Teeny tiny bit.

I'll snooze now.

Hope Officer Bong Seonhwa wakes me when back.

...........

.........

......

..

.

The sun was in front of my eyes.

But it was gross.

Eyes all over it, creepy.

And below, another gross maggot.

Wriggle wriggle.

The gross maggot crawled toward a blue-green round orb.

Pretty orb, maggot slithering, drooling.

Drool thick green, super gross.

"So we found this kid abandoned in the mountains and brought them... but no matter how much we try, they won't wake..."

"...Instructor, this kid isn't on our school roster."

"What? Then where did this child come fr—?"

Watching the weird scene.

Echoing voices of strangers rang out.

That moment, floating sensation.

Floating floating, like airplane takeoff.

"Ue... ueee!?"

Eyes open.

Saw several people surrounding me—shocked.

"Ooh! Her eyes are open."

"First time seeing her? What's her name?"

"Whoa, cute kid. You like Petit Cure and Prill Para too?"

"What Petit Cure and Prill Para! It's Lapping!"

Stranger shorties crowding, peering down at me...

Who are you... where am I...?

No idea. Scary. Why am I surrounded by tiny tots?

"First-timer, but your puffy hair's pretty?"

"Quick! Tell us your name!"

"Uh, th-that... uee..."

"Why crying?"

"Cuz you mentioned Lapping!"

"Nonsense! You mentioned Petit Cure and Prill Para!"

Just woke up, words won't come.

Shorties shoving in, draining my energy.

"So who are you?"

That's what I wanna ask. Who are you guys?

"Where from?"

"Your hair color screams Awakener, right?"

"Prill Para and Petit Cure fan?"

"Nah, Lapping!"

Where is this? Who are they?

Stop coming closer...!

And what's with Prill Para, Petit Cure, Lapping? Shortie secret code?

"Why no answer?"

"She's just flapping her mouth. Weird."

"You're picking! Which side?"

"Pick quick! This one? That one?"

"Ughk...!"

Don't know what to pick don't know stop shoving dolls and cards on my cheeks stop please.

Chomper.

Officer Bong Seonhwa.

Fist King Bureau Chief grandpa.

Can't breathe, save me from this hell!