Chapter 78
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 78
Chapter Title: Aftermath (2)
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I never imagined that Meiden Keuritineseus daughter had undergone the same experiment as the original Kang Seoyul.
If that was the case, then Meiden was also involved in the incident, which would explain how Yuhwa got her hands on the report.
It also explained why the original Meiden Keuritineseu had favored the protagonist so much.
She must have felt a connection to the protagonist, who shared the same pain as her deceased daughter.
But to think she would conclude that I was a survivor of the Species Fusion Project. I never saw that coming.
No, its not that I dont understand Yuhwas reasoning.
Her hypothesis made perfect sense.
If I were a survivor of the Species Fusion Project, it would explain all the mysteries up to this point.
Ah. This is so damn messed up.
I scratched my head roughly.
Ha Siyeon and Shin Jias group had a completely different perception of me than Yuhwa did.
One side saw me as a hero who would save the world.
The other saw me as a victim whose life had been stolen by the Saviors of Truth.
It was a misunderstanding that was impossible to reconcile. This would create quite a few restrictions on receiving help from the three of them.
The only fortunate thing was that Jia and Yuhwa were like cats and dogs.
Should I put off trying to make them reconcile for now? No, thinking about the future, they need to get along.
Aargh.
What should I do?
My head was a mess.
Geumho. My head is killing me.
Kuang.
Geumho purred in my arms and tilted his head, his eyes half-closed. He looked utterly exhausted, as if to ask what was so important.
Sorry. Go back to sleep.
Geumho let out a small yawn and buried his face in my chest again.
After the drake incident.
Geumho had slept for a full 20 hours straight.
It must have been a side effect of overexerting himself.
I gently stroked Geumhos head.
Youre the reason Im still going, really.
The oasis of my heart.
I gently lifted the angelically sleeping Geumho to check his side.
...Its all healed.
Thankfully, the wounds from the battle with the drake had almost completely recovered.
A faint trace remained, but that would likely disappear by the end of the day.
Thank you.
I had said it countless times already, but I felt it could never be emphasized enough.
If it werent for Geumho, I would have been minced meat in the drakes stomach.
Whether he knew my feelings or not, Geumho just breathed peacefully, his face serene.
...I should shower and go to bed.
I gently placed Geumho on the bed and took off my clothes.
Ah.
My eyes fell on the green tiger tattoo on my thigh.
The tattoo had vanished when I fully assimilated Predators Killing Intent, but it reappeared after I used the Promosium Dagger.
...Hah.
Just thinking about this trait made me sigh.
Of all the traits I could have gotten...
I was smiling bitterly to myself.
*Bzzz-*
My smartphone, lying on the shelf, vibrated.
It was a message from Ha Siyeon.
[Seoyul! Jias awake!]
***
10:20 PM.
I arrived at Jias hospital room.
I had planned to come tomorrow, thinking visiting hours would be over this late at night. But Siyeon told me she got permission for me to come now, so I rushed over.
Jia. Is your leg okay?
Yeah.
Ha Siyeon examined Jias body from head to toe with a look of utter concern.
Not that she could see much, with Jias lower body covered by a blanket.
What do you mean, okay? It still hurts, doesn't it?
No. It doesnt hurt.
Jia smiled faintly with a stoic expression. But it wasnt her usual bright smile.
It looked more like a polite, customer-service smile.
She was probably putting on an act.
So I wouldn't worry.
When can you be discharged?
Jia hesitated for a moment before speaking.
...A week at the shortest. It could be up to a month.
Youre a critical patient. And you say it doesnt hurt?
With this worlds advanced technology, a month-long hospital stay was a very long time.
No, thats not it. Its, uh, just intensive treatment to make sure there are no lingering effects. The wound isnt deep at all...
It seemed she was determined to pretend it didn't hurt. I sighed inwardly.
Alright. If you say it doesnt hurt, thats a relief.
Yes.
I decided to just let it go.
There was no point in arguing with a patient.
So does this mean you cant go to Australia, Jia?
Ha Siyeon, who had been quietly observing, brought up a new topic.
The school trip to Australia. It wasnt canceled?
Ah. You must not have heard. Nope. It wasnt canceled.
Really?
Jia tilted her head slightly.
Normally, an incident where 12 people died would lead to a major trip being canceled.
But the situation this time was a bit strange.
It should have been canceled. But apparently, they have an agreement with the Australian academy, so its difficult to call it off.
A negotiation between two nations meant they couldnt easily break their promise.
And postponing the practical exam three times would have been a burden.
Having booked the Australian exam site for six days and five nights, it would have been a waste to let it go.
And to be blunt, its not that rare for cadets to die.
...I suppose so.
Right.
The two of them shared a bitter smile.
Just like with superhumans, the mortality rate for cadets was very high.
On average, out of 500 students who enroll, only about 450 graduate.
Of course, having 12 first-year deaths was a rare occurrence.
First-year classes were childs play compared to those for second to fourth-years.
First-year classes were lessons focused on safety, while second to fourth-year classes were training focused on real combat.
Unfortunately, it looks like I wont be able to go to Australia.
Jia said, sounding disappointed.
Aww. Thats a shame.
Ha Siyeon seemed equally disappointed. The two had grown much closer lately, so it was only natural.
Then I guess Siyeon will be ranked number one this time?
Huh? Me?
Ha Siyeon tilted her head.
...What?
Jias eyes widened as she asked.
If you cant go to Australia, you cant take the practical exam. Which means youll get the average score, right?
...
Siyeon will score in the top ranks at least. So doesnt that make her number one, 100%?
Ah. So thats how it works out.
Ha Siyeon nodded repeatedly as if she understood.
...
Jias pupils trembled wildly.
Her lips parted, looking quite flustered.
...Seonjonim. Excuse me for a moment. I just need to make a quick call.
Huh? Oh, sure.
Then, with a determined look, she nodded.
Hello? Mr. Taejin?
She called her assistant with a dead-serious expression.
Im checking out on Sunday.
J-Jia?
Jias expression was incredibly serious.
No. I dont care. Im just doing it. Something has come up that requires me to be discharged, no matter what.
Shin Jia.
The incarnation of competitiveness.
Yes, unconditionally.
With those final words, Jia hung up. Ha Siyeon and I just stared blankly at the scene.
Jia looked at us and smiled brightly.
Something unexpected came up, so it looks like Ill be able to go to Australia after all.
Uh... is, is that right? Thats great.
I had a lot I wanted to say, but I decided against it.
Jias assistant would surely talk her out of it.
There was no need for me to get involved.
...Though it seemed like it would be hard to stop her.
Man. I shouldnt have brought up the rankings.
I checked the time.
It was almost 11 PM.
It was getting very late.
Well, I should get going. You look tired too, Jia.
I stood up from my seat.
Ah. Me too.
Ha Siyeon followed my lead and stood up. I looked at Jia one last time and said.
Anyway, Im glad to see youre okay.
Ah.
Jia let out a small gasp.
She had a self-deprecating look on her face.
...How foolish of me. I forgot to say the most important thing.
Hmm?
Then, she gave a gentle smile.
Seonjonim. Thank you for saving me.
***
Fridays classes were all replaced with self-study. The instructors seemed busy dealing with the aftermath of the incident.
Lets just go to the training hall.
Anyone want to spar with me?
I think Ill take a break.
Oh, I should head back to the dorms too.
It was called self-study, but it was basically free time.
Siyeon. Up for a sparring match? Its been a while.
Sounds good! Is Jihoon coming too?
Of course.
Nearby, the trio of Ha Siyeon, Kim Cheoljin, and Choi Jihoon gathered for the first time in a while.
It felt like I hadnt seen the three of them together in ages.
Since Siyeon had gotten close to Jia, shed been hanging out with her a lot, and Kim Cheoljin and Choi Jihoon seemed to be up to something on their own lately.
Siyeon, youll be shocked when you see how much Jihoon has changed. You have no idea how insane this guys training has been Mmph.
Shut up, Kim Cheoljin.
Aha.
So the two of them had been training in secret.
Ah.
Perhaps sensing my gaze, Ha Siyeon let out a small gasp.
Seoyul~ you wanna join us?
Oh, Seoyul! Sounds good.
Kim Cheoljin was naturally all for it.
That makes four of us, a perfect number.
Even Choi Jihoon, who I thought would be reluctant to have me join, agreed.
I will avenge the humiliation of the ranking match today.
The fighting spirit in his eyes burned brightly. Aha. So thats what this was about.
Alright. As the victor, Ill accept the challengers duel.
I stood up with a smirk. At my playful words, Choi Jihoons eyes grew even sharper.
It was a gaze filled with the intent to chew me up and spit me out.
At the same time, I could sense a cool-headedness.
Just from his current demeanor, I could tell he had grown.
Kang Seoyul. Today, I will give you a taste of defeat.
Look at that confidence. What will you do if you lose again?
Choi Jihoon smirked fiercely.
There is no such thing as a second defeat in my dictionary.
***
...There is no such thing as a fifth defeat in my dictionary.
Pfft.
I burst out laughing as I looked at Choi Jihoon, who was grinding his teeth.
Hee hee.
Looking to the side, I saw Kim Cheoljin also suppressing his laughter.
Choi Jihoon had lost to me three times in a row in the preceding three spars.
And that was what he said.
It was only natural to laugh.
Wow. But Jihoon has gotten seriously strong.
Ha Siyeon said with an impressed look from the side. I agreed.
It was only manageable because I had advanced to D-rank. If I were still E-rank, it would have been dangerous.
His use of magic armor has improved a lot, too. Not to mention his physical abilities.
Ahem.
At those words, Kim Cheoljins nose went up. Why are you reacting?
This is all thanks to my diligent efforts, is it not?
Shut up, Kim Cheoljin.
Ahem. Disciple Choi Jihoon. Is that any way to speak to your master?
Nonsense.
At Choi Jihoons vehement reaction, Kim Cheoljin spoke with even more excitement.
Ah, I remember it now. The great Choi Jihoon, on his knees before me. Mr. Kim, I want to train...! The image of him crying his eyes out.
...Im seriously going to kill you.
Choi Jihoon swung his sword.
Ugh! Hey! Aiming for the vitals is against the rules!
What is this, Dumb and Dumber?
Anyway, was Choi Jihoons rapid growth really thanks to Kim Cheoljins help?
...Tch. Ill let you off just this once.
Choi Jihoon sheathed his sword.
Let me off, my ass. I know youre just tired.
Kim Cheoljin scoffed.
Choi Jihoon turned his head with a thoroughly annoyed expression, clearly done with the conversation.
Seeing that look, Kim Cheoljin wore a satisfied smile.
He then approached me.
Alright, Seoyul. How about you and I go for a round next?
An undeniable thirst for battle could be felt in his eyes.
Sounds good.
I had wanted to fight him for a while now, anyway.
To be precise, I wanted to experience Kim Cheoljins trait, Sixth Sense, firsthand.
Just a sec. Let me warm up a bit.
Okay.
I did some light stretching.
It was to relieve some of the fatigue accumulated from sparring with Choi Jihoon.
I rotated my wrists and ankles, stretched my neck and shoulders, and then did a light jump.
Whoa, what are you, a kangaroo?
Thats high~
For a light jump, it was a bit high, but it was still just a light jump.
Ive got a good vertical.
My jumping power had increased thanks to the new Beastfolk trait I had acquired.
Is it a trait or something?
Something like that.
Theres a unique trait like that?
...Youre telling me.
I sighed.
It was great that I got a new trait from using the Promosium Dagger, but of all the traits out there, why did I have to draw a dud?
What the hell is [Rabbit Tribe's Jumping Power]?
Of course, it wasnt bad.
It was helpful for leaping to close the distance or for jump attacks, and since it was an always-on passive trait, there were no penalties whatsoever.
But it wasnt that good either.
It wasn't like Id be inconvenienced if I didn't have it.
In short, it was a trait that was neither here nor there.
Sigh.
Still, its kind of fun.
It felt like jumping on a trampoline on solid ground.
I laughed to myself and continued to jump.
Hahaha.
This is fun.
It was then.
Whoa!
I suddenly felt a strange sensation in my body and lost my balance.
The feeling of my body not being my own. It was the same sensation I felt when fighting the Honey Bear.
...Could it be?
*Swoosh-*
I took out my dagger and swung it lightly through the air. It felt light.
...What? Why are you faster?
Kim Cheoljin asked, sounding surprised.
I was just as surprised.
My speed was noticeably faster than when I had been sparring with Choi Jihoon just a moment ago.
That wasnt all.
*Swoosh- Swoosh-*
The power contained within the dagger itself was different.
If I was right, this was...
Hold on. I need to use the restroom.
Huh? Oh. Go ahead.
To confirm my hypothesis, I quickly ran towards the restroom.
And in the empty restroom, I checked my right thigh.
...Its gone.
The Beastfolk tattoo was gone.
The green tattoo that had been there when I showered this morning was gone.
This fact could only mean one thing.
...It was fully assimilated in a single day?
The Beastfolk trait [Rabbit Tribe's Jumping Power] had been fully assimilated.
...Could it be that the less effective and easier a trait is to use, the faster it assimilates?
If so, that changes things.