Chapter 30
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 30
Chapter Title: 030. I Did Get a Ride, But...
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"The next stage?"
There's more to do from here? Wasn't I already struggling right on the brink of collapse?
"Truth be told, I figured that building up basic stamina before heading into the dungeon, then just mastering defense and evasion, would be enough for success... But Seong-han-ssi, your growth has exceeded my expectations."
"R-Really?"
It felt good to hear the praise, but why did it sound like some terrifying trap snapping shut? I swallowed hard, with no room for joy.
"Even after meeting your mentor on Tuesday, you'll probably have about a week left. Train until Friday, do a final check on Saturday, and head into practice on Sunday."
"So what's this next stage, then?"
"No point spoiling it early and just making you tense. Go have a nice dinner and get some solid rest tonight. See you tomorrow."
Im Yu-ha patted my shoulder once and left. It seemed like her way of encouraging me, but...
'Isn't this just like a murder notice from a serial killer?'
You know, the vibe of 'You're dying tomorrow.' I hoped that was just my imagination.
My imagination my ass, damn it.
The morning conditioning wasn't all that different. Aside from the sandbags strapped to my hands and feet.
Up to that point, it was manageable enough. But sure enough...
After finishing the afternoon theory lesson, Im Yu-ha appeared in a full-body suit, unlike her usual attire. She even brought along some massive portable machine I couldn't identify.
"Different outfit from usual."
"It's a training control device. This suit applies a debuff that cuts all my stats by 50%."
"All stats by 50%?"
"It's an adaptation of restraint gear made for subduing villains. This is what trainees wear when sparring with me."
"...So that means."
"We're doing live sparring based on the basics you've learned so far. I won't go all out, so relax. And of course, no skills."
Im Yu-ha's matter-of-fact tone made her look like an executioner.
Even with the debuff, her strength was 118 and agility 159. Higher than my full-buffed stats from copying a status window.
"I'll stick to hands only for now. Ready? Begin."
Grind.
I clenched my molars hard and activated every ability at my disposal.
Full buff on stats. Not just Golden Eye—Jeong Se-hee's Multiple Thoughts and Clarity of Mind too.
I wanted to use Yu-ra Noona's High-Speed Calculation, but too much time had passed since we'd had sex, so the copy was gone.
"Here I go."
"Come at me."
As expected, I couldn't land a single clean hit on Im Yu-ha.
Strength aside, the 39-point agility gap was huge. Even predicting her next moves with Multiple Thoughts, my body couldn't keep up.
"Huff... huff..."
About 20 minutes in, I collapsed onto the mat, gasping raggedly.
This was only because she was going easy—if she'd fought for real, I'd have been down ages ago.
"Not bad at all."
"...That's praise, right?"
"What, you think it's an insult?"
She could even joke around. Though with that expression and voice, it didn't sound like one at all.
"Drink some water and stretch. We'll resume sparring in 20 minutes."
"Huh?!"
"Dungeon monsters won't give you a break, Seong-han-ssi. Regular trainees get five minutes, then right back at it."
"How many rounds?"
"Usually three to four in a row. Depends on how long each bout takes."
Sudden fire lit in my gut.
I didn't know the specs of Tris Guild's rookies, but with my full buffs, not many would outstat me.
Combined strength and agility right now? Solid C-rank territory. Most fresh awakeners barely scraped E-rank highs or D-rank lows and got called promising.
"Then I'll take five minutes too."
"...Hm."
Im Yu-ha crossed her arms, looking down at me, and her lips twitched ever so slightly. Was that a smile?
"Make it ten. Start with stretches."
"But trainees only get five?"
"Direct spars with me don't start until week two of training."
"...Ugh."
No arguing with that. On this crash course, best to follow orders.
Ten minutes rest, then back to it.
A bit more comfortable than the first round, but I still couldn't touch her. Her elbow was the farthest I reached.
"One more, please."
"Come on."
Third round. Finally grazed her shoulder—but she just flicked it away.
"Going in."
Fourth, fifth.
Started out of spite, but damn if it wasn't getting fun. My body moving just how I wanted? More satisfying than expected.
Sixth into seventh—Im Yu-ha used her legs for the first time. Blocked my kick with her shin.
Eighth round. By now, sheer stubbornness had me charging to hit ten, but she wouldn't allow it.
"Pushing further risks injury. That's enough for today."
"I... can do more."
Legs already shaking, acetone breath, fists half-numb from pounding her steel body.
"Hoo."
Im Yu-ha let out a faint sigh and assumed stance. As she lunged— she vanished from sight.
That move from day one!
Foot technique again? I instinctively dropped low, guarding my upper body. Goosebumps prickled my nape—chilling pressure from behind.
"Stubbornness in battle leads to accidents."
Tap.
Her hand blade touched my neck.
Just a light press, but my chest plummeted, frozen solid.
If she'd followed with full-force footwork?
Dead.
Not just severed—head smashed like a watermelon.
"...Thank you."
"Good work. Go wash up and eat."
Thud.
She stepped back, and I crumpled. Tension release buckled my legs too.
"You okay?"
"Ahaha... showed my clumsy side."
I grinned sheepishly. She knelt, prodding my legs with her fingers.
"Does it hurt?"
"Nah, not really...? Gyaa?!"
What the—? Bones and flesh ripping apart? She hadn't pressed that hard, but something tore.
"As expected, you overdid it. Continuing could've ruptured some leg muscles."
"That bad? Didn't feel painful."
"Hyper-focused states spike endorphins and adrenaline, dulling pain. Once concentration breaks, the crash hits with exhaustion—and all the pent-up agony at once."
"...Dodged a bullet. Sorry for being stubborn."
I bowed deeply. She let out a pfft, like deflating.
"It's fine. That's why I'm here. Can you walk?"
"Lemme try standing."
Got up fine. Stepping forward—electric jolt through my legs, thighs and calves cramping tight.
"Not happening. Hop on. Need to treat you in the infirmary."
"Pardon?"
Even so, a piggyback from a woman felt... nah.
Full suit or not, those sculpted shoulders and back made my mouth go dry.
"Excuse me, then."
I leaned carefully; she casually scooped my thighs and butt, heading out.
...Her nape was definitely a weak spot.
Lick that pale neck, suck with lips—what then? She'd feel nothing before I checked out permanently.
"Sigh."
"Something wrong?"
"No, nothing."
Whatever. Weak spots or not, wrong time to think it.
Tempting as her stats were, still pie in the sky. Couldn't wield them properly anyway.
No way to feed her semen to copy, either.
Tried offering a drink once—politely declined, said she couldn't take things from a trainee's acquaintance. More about staying professional, even to herself. Strict woman.
"One question?"
"Go ahead."
"Does the Association assign mentors on Tuesday, or do you apply separately?"
"Guild rookies mostly do the latter. They have dedicated mentor teams. For independents like you, they'll assign a B-rank."
"Criteria?"
"Matches your position. As a supporter, expect someone who handles both DPS and tanking."
Why that for supporter? Whatever, Tuesday would tell.
...This is unexpected too.
Suit? Her rock-hard body? My exhaustion?
Pressed tight against this stunning beauty—and my dick didn't even twitch.
Good boy. Knows time and place. Doesn't wanna die either, huh.
Sparring with Im Yu-ha grew fiercer by the day.
Considering my overexertion day one, we capped at five rounds.
From the fourth, barely any mercy; fifth, full power to lay me flat.
Full power? Every spot except face and groin pummeled raw.
Thoroughly trampled till I couldn't beg for more. Leaving just enough stamina to stagger up—more terrifying.
Body covered in bruises daily, joints throbbing, but her special potions kept major damage away.
Something about not standard heals—anyway.
Tuesday afternoon, wrapping training just before 3 p.m. as planned.
First time out of the gym in ages, heading downtown Seoul. Forty minutes on the express bus to Jongno.
The cafe for the mentor meet was quiet—time still awkward.
Up to the second floor, window seat: familiar face.
Rushed to be on time, but she beat me.
"Hey, you're here."
"Long time no see."
"Ten days or so?"
Flaming red hair, healthy light tan skin bursting with vitality, orange eyes.
Sleek, toned build screaming Hunter through her clothes.
My first dungeon party's main DPS: Sin Ju-yeon.