Chapter 18
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: How to Get Stronger (1)
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With Geumho as my guide, the tourdisguised as a ruin explorationbegan.
Hey, hey! A little slower! My butt hurts!
I was riding on Geumhos back, and he, perhaps because I was on his back, was dashing with excitement.
Thanks to him, my rear end felt like it was about to shatter.
Grrr.
As if understanding my words, Geumho drastically reduced his speed.
Thats much better.
Good. This is the perfect speed.
Pleased by my praise, Geumho let out another low rumble.
He was really just a giant cat.
We breezed through the trap-filled sections that would have otherwise been quite a nuisance.
The monsters we would have had to fight for our lives against if wed accidentally encountered them didnt even glance at Geumho.
It couldnt have been more comfortable.
It was, quite literally, a tour.
Marvelous architecture and mystical structures captured my eyes.
It felt similar to my first trip to Gyeongju.
Grrr.
The clever Geumho would even stop walking when he noticed me staring intently at something, as if telling me to take a closer look.
The more I saw of him, the more charming he became.
If he hadnt mauled my body like this, I would have genuinely adored him.
Of course, even with that, he was starting to look cuter and cuter.
He was affectionate, obedient, and intelligent.
...Our first meeting really was the only flaw.
Kyuu
At my mumble, Geumho turned his neck to look at me with sorrowful eyes.
It was a look of apology.
I smiled bitterly.
Its okay.
I gently stroked his back.
The wounds still stung, but I had gained the boiling blood of a pureblood.
They would be completely healed by tomorrow.
Lets go.
Grrr.
I dont know how much time passed like that.
We arrived at the chamber where the Ancient Artifact was stored.
Upon an altar with the sacred atmosphere of a temple rested a colossal stone sword.
Now, all I had to do was put that sword into the special equipment transport carrier that had held the Tigers Gauntlet and take it with me, but
...Its much bigger than I expected.
A problem arose.
The sword was far too large.
Its length alone seemed to be over ten meters.
Of course, I knew beforehand that this sword was huge.
There was a scene where the protagonist, upon entering this temple, marveled at the stone sword.
But he never said it was *this* big.
What is this?
How is this a giant stone sword?
Its a colossal stone pillar.
There was no way it would fit in the carrier.
Geumho. Can you let me down?
Grrr.
I dismounted from Geumhos back and approached the altar.
It was even bigger up close.
This left me with two options.
The first was, of course, to go back and prepare a carrier large enough to move this thing.
If I asked Yuhwa, she could probably get one ready within a week.
This option had the advantage of letting me keep one piece of equipment.
The second option was to equip the stone sword for one minute, right here and now.
This had the advantage of letting me gain a racial trait immediately.
The deliberation was brief.
I reached a conclusion quickly.
Lets just use it now.
If the stone sword hadn't been this massive, I would have taken it without a second thought, but it was just too big.
It would be difficult to carry it out secretly.
And since I had no way of wielding a ten-meter-long sword, it was more likely to become a liability than a trump card.
Considering all the other factors, it was better to gain another trait right now than to save it and let it go to waste.
Alright.
My mind was made up.
All that was left was to act.
I slowly walked to the altar.
Please give me a good trait.
I gripped the massive stone sword, over ten meters long.
About a minute later.
I had acquired a new racial trait.
What kind of trait is this?
It didn't match any of the beastkin traits I knew of.
An unidentifiable trait.
This was another unexpected turn.
* * *
Within the grounds of the Korean Superhuman Academy, in Instructor Pi Jinhos office, a man and a woman were conversing with serious expressions.
I cant believe it.
But its the truth, Jinho.
One of them was, of course, the owner of the room, Pi Jinho.
The other was Yuhwa.
Kim Shinwoo. No, Pyo Ilchan was a villain from the Saviors of Truth.
...I know. The evidence is conclusive.
A moment ago, Yuhwa had shown Pi Jinho a video.
It was CCTV footage containing the vivid conversation and combat from her battle with Pyo Ilchan.
...Twenty years. To think he wore a mask for twenty whole years. Its chilling.
What would have happened if they hadnt discovered he was a villain?
...I dont even want to imagine it.
Pi Jinho shuddered.
So, Jinho. Now for the main point. I have a favor to ask.
You want me to quietly cover up this incident, dont you.
You know me so well. Thats right.
Pi Jinho said with a sigh.
What power does a mere instructor have
Thats funny. Who in this business doesnt know about Pi Jinhos connections?
Yuhwa snorted.
In this world, you never know what price youll pay for a single favor. And you know that as well as I do, Hwa.
I know. I do. But this incident absolutely cannot get out.
Yuhwa said with a determined expression.
You know it too. Its not just any group; its the Saviors of Truth. Everyone already despises them, and a villain from that group was hiding in the Bihon Guild for twenty years. If this gets out, what do you think will happen to the guild?
...Youll be framed as an incompetent guild.
Id be lucky if thats all. Eventually, people will start questioning if the Bihon Guild itself is collaborating with them. Whatever happens, itll be the end for us.
That was why she had to bury this incident, no matter what.
...Alright.
Pi Jinho nodded as if he had no choice.
Ill help you. However, youll have to pay the price yourself.
Of course!
Yuhwa let out a sigh of relief.
Now that Pi Jinho had agreed to help, the matter wouldnt reach the Superhuman Management Association.
Of course, the thought of having to repay debts to Pi Jinhos acquaintances later weighed on her mind, but it was a million times better than the guild being destroyed.
Youre really the only one I can count on. Thank you so much~
Yuhwa threw her arms around Pi Jinho.
Pi Jinho sidestepped her and said.
You say that, but you never contact me unless you need something.
Hey~ I send you a greeting every New Years.
Pi Jinhos expression turned stern.
...If youre talking about that group message, Im taking back my offer to help.
Yuhwa flinched.
Ah, ahh. Come to think of it, I might have drafted it but forgot to hit send
Her eyes darted around as she desperately made excuses. Seeing this, Pi Jinho let out a small laugh.
Forget it. What did I expect from you?
Hehe.
Their relationship was quite special.
It began when Yuhwas father led the Bihon Guild, and now they were like family.
Of course, not many people knew that.
So much so that Yuhwa, who was usually blunt and cold in front of others, would even use a cutesy voice and act affectionate.
Anyway, that was a close call. Im glad it seems to be resolved without any major trouble.
Yeah. I was lucky.
She was truly lucky.
Who would have thought that her chance visit to the gambling den that day would lead to this?
It was all thanks to Kang Seoyul.
He was still a mysterious figure, but she had judged that he wasn't an enemy, at least for now.
At first, I wondered if it might be a setup to deceive me.
But it wasnt.
Even if the doppelgnger was a disposable pawn, they wouldnt throw away Pyo Ilchan, who had hidden himself so well for twenty years.
For that and various other reasons.
She concluded that Kang Seoyul was, at the very least, not a villain affiliated with the Saviors of Truth.
Ah.
Come to think of it, Kang Seoyul was a student in Class 1, the class Pi Jinho was in charge of.
She was curious about what Pi Jinho thought of him.
Jinho. Are there any cadets in your class these days who have a promising future, or any that stand out?
...Spoken like a true guild master. Why? If youre so hungry for talent, you should have accepted my request for a lecture.
Jinho. You knew what my situation was back then. Did you have to bring that up to upset me?
Pi Jinho smiled faintly.
So, what is it you want to hear? I doubt youre interested in already well-known prospects like Shin Jia or Ha Siyeon.
A strange light gleamed in Pi Jinhos eyes.
Is it Kang Seoyul?
Yuhwas shoulders twitched.
...How did you know?
Ive watched you since you were in kindergarten, Hwa. You think I dont know your way of talking?
Why are you bringing up the past again? Anyway, Cadet Kang Seoyul. What do you think of him?
Pi Jinhos judgment was exceptional.
That didnt just mean his trait, Mystic Eye, was outstanding.
He literally possessed a natural talent for sizing people up.
The fact that you brought up Kang Seoyul right away means youre paying attention to him too, right?
Well. Im not sure yet.
Not yet?
Thats right, not yet.
There was a high probability that Kang Seoyul possessed Owner of the Weapon.
However, he wasnt 100% certain yet.
I think the results of the upcoming ranking match will make it clear.
Huh? A ranking match? Kang Seoyul has one scheduled? When is it?
Yuhwas eyes sparkled.
The day after tomorrow.
* * *
The weekend flew by in an instant.
Today was Monday.
The day of the first-year ranking matches.
...A lot of people showed up.
Perhaps because it was the first match.
For a bout scheduled to be a battle of the titans between rank 498 and 497, a surprising number of people had filled the stadium.
Five minutes left. Do a final check of your equipment.
Its all the same training gear. Whats there to check?
Rank 497 replied with a lazy yawn.
He didnt seem the least bit nervous.
Isnt that right? Rank 498?
His eyes, looking at me, were filled with ridicule.
Who does a mere rank 497 think hes mocking?
Nervous? Dont be too tense. Ill go easy on you so you dont get hurt.
He was brimming with confidence.
Well, it wasn't like I didnt understand.
That rank 497 had stamina and durability that were at least mid-to-high tier.
His stats were a perfect counter to my weaknesses of low attack power and poor stamina.
The me from last week would never have been able to win.
The me from before I explored the ruins, that is.
Do you fight with your mouth? Youve been running it since you got here. Are you some kind of all-talk fighter?
I taunted back, cleaning my ear. Rank 497s expression hardened instantly.
Shut up and check your gear. Dont make excuses later that you lost because of faulty equipment.
...This bastard.
To fall for such a low-grade provocation. What a pathetic guy.
Right. A true superhuman speaks with his fists. Youre dead, you little shit.
Whats with that cute curse?
Did he really think that was a provocation?
They say if you talk too tough, you actually look weak. Is that why you look so pathetic?
This guy has really lost his
It was then.
Time! Both cadets, return to your positions!
It was time.
Youre so dead.
Oh, Im so scared.
Rank 497 shot me a fierce glare before turning around.
The ranking match will now begin.
With the instructor-referees words, a translucent dome, a mana field, spread over the stadium.
With that, safety mode was set.
[5 seconds until the ranking match begins.]
At the same time, a hologram appeared in the air.
[4, 3, 2, 1]
Rank 497 drew a longsword.
I drew a dagger.
[Start!]
In that instant, my vision changed.
The Path of the Wind opened up.
Surprisingly, my opponent was calm.
I thought hed be so fired up hed charge at me like an angry bull right at the start.
Was he wary of my strange dagger technique?
Not that it would change anything.
I smiled faintly and lowered my stance.
On Saturday, I had obtained two racial traits.
One of them was a complete mystery.
It didn't match any of the traits I knew.
Thanks to that, I had to spend all of Sunday trying to figure it out.
Finally, just past midnight on Sunday, I succeeded in understanding my new trait.
I gripped my dagger and charged at Rank 497.
I felt the familiar red wind.
The opponents movements.
The path I must take.
The path my dagger must take.
All of it condensed and appeared to me as a red wind.
With that kind of speed!
One step to the right.
Twist my upper body.
And I slashed the dagger diagonally.
*Kiiing!*
The longsword slid down my dagger.
What!
With that short motion, my opponent was left completely defenseless.
But his surprise vanished in an instant.
He knew.
Even if his weak point was completely exposed, my strength wasn't enough to inflict a fatal wound.
But the me of today was different from the me of last week.
I took a deep breath.
At that moment, a subtle dissonance occurred in my pupils.
*Zzt-*
A sharp pain shot through the tattooed part of my thigh.
The hair on my body stood on end, and an intangible energy erupted from me.
*Fwoosh-!*
It was an aura.
The unique killing intent of a predator about to hunt its prey.
...!
The opponent, who received this killing intent directly, froze solid like a herbivore before a predator.
And as a result, his durability dropped drastically for a brief moment.
I immediately thrust my dagger.
As the wind commanded.
As my body moved.
Like sinking my teeth into the neck of a herbivore that had lost its will.
*Shunk!*
The result.
The sickening sound of the dagger piercing flesh was heard.
Kuaaaargh!
Followed by the tearing scream of Rank 497.
*Thud-*
Finally, with the sound of something collapsing to the ground, I heard the referee running over.
Success.
...Hoo.
This was the beastkin trait I had acquired.
A Fear-type trait that allowed me to emit the unique, ferocious aura of a beastkin.
I didnt know its name.
With no Status Window, and since it wasnt a trait Id read about in the novel, there was no way for me to know its name.
However, I called it this.
Predators Killing Intent.
The ranking match is over! Winner! Kang Seoyul!
Ooooh!
I had won.