----------------------------------
Episode 11
"As expected of Alchemist. The treatment is good."
Taehyun said with satisfaction as he left the building.
It was because of the backpack full of potions instead of magic stones.
He only stayed in the building for an hour, but a rather large transaction took place.
Low-grade magic potions cost 5 million won on the market. High-grade potions can cost up to 100 million won per bottle.
Therefore, even the top 4 guilds had a limit to the amount they could provide unless they were named players.
'It's still too much of a burden to buy with my own money.'
The money he got from selling the two rings belonging to the malicious guild and the money he earned from this magic stone deal.
It was money that Taehyun would have had a hard time collecting even if he worked for 10 years in his previous life.
But it was too early to be satisfied.
In Taehyun's position, who was practically living a second life, he had access to a lot of information, and he had enough ability to actively use that information.
'Gluttony is such a blessing.'
Taehyun brought up his status window.
Name: Kim Taehyun
Age: 19
Rank: D
Strength: 17 Stamina: 22 Speed: 16 Magic Power: 43
Fatigue: 70%
Remaining Magic Power: 12/43
[Skills]
Gluttony (62%) - Can devour the desired target. Consumes Demon Power: 10
Stone Skin (D) - Can strengthen the body. Consumes Demon Power: 3
Stealth (D) - Can hide the body. Consumes Demon Power: 5
Compared to before entering the dungeon, his physical stats and Gluttony's experience had slightly increased.
Some might say it's an insignificant reward.
Especially considering he risked his life to clear a dungeon alone.
Taehyun shook his head slightly.
In his previous life, Taehyun periodically repeated hellish physical training.
It was to raise his stamina even a little bit more.
This level of effort wasn't even worth mentioning.
'At this rate, I'll be C-rank soon.'
The opportunity for growth, which others find difficult to achieve even once.
Taehyun had at least four more of those great opportunities left.
That fact alone seemed to wash away his fatigue.
Taehyun was smiling to himself in front of the guild when.
"We look forward to seeing you again soon!"
Manager Choi Changshik and the employees who came out to see him off bowed their heads once again.
Nod.
Taehyun lightly greeted them and disappeared into the crowd.
"Manager. Are you sure about this?"
"What do you mean?"
Choi Changshik knew what Assistant Manager Ahn's gaze meant.
Nevertheless, Choi Changshik pretended not to know.
"To make such a bet without properly understanding who he is..."
Betting.
And a reckless bet at that.
Choi Changshik read that thought in Assistant Manager Ahn's eyes.
A satisfied smile appeared on his lips.
"You. How many years have you been with the company this year?"
"This is my third year."
"That's good. This will be a good lesson for you."
"Yes?"
"Don't they say you can tell a promising tree from its sapling?"
Unlike Assistant Manager Ahn, who was tilting his head, Choi Changshik was confident.
That the man who had just signed the contract with him would cause a stir in the industry in the future.
Taehyun's red eyes shining from inside his hood.
'Those are the guys who always shake things up.'
Choi Changshik was confident in his bet.
A week later.
The school closure order was lifted.
Taehyun, who came to school, was sleeping on his desk.
He had been clearing undiscovered dungeons at a rate of one every three days.
Even if he forgot about the physical fatigue with potions, he needed mental rest at this point.
'Hmm... As expected, sleeping at school is the best.'
Perhaps because he came to school earlier than anyone else?
Taehyun was thinking about the gains of the past week with a sweet feeling.
Alchemist is a place specialized in production among the top 4 guilds.
Around this time, the top 4 guilds were in fierce competition for magic stone occupancy.
Taehyun was able to gain recognition for his value by cleverly using this point.
'I just tried my luck once, but it turned out like this.'
A satisfied smile appeared as he thought of the black card in his wallet.
Alchemist SVIP.
A card indicating that he was an SVIP customer of the Alchemist Guild.
It was Manager Choi Changshik's secret weapon to recognize Taehyun's potential.
Instead of the practically impossible VVIP, he created a new rank called SVIP to hold onto Taehyun.
Taehyun inserted a clause in the contract that he would be provided with 200 low-grade potions per month.
The condition was to trade at least 20 high-grade magic stones, at least 30 mid-grade magic stones, and at least 100 low-grade magic stones each month.
'I wouldn't be able to get this kind of contract anywhere else.'
Any guild is hesitant to invest in rookies.
Especially with this kind of treatment for a rookie, it could potentially harm the guild's image.
It was clear how big of a gamble the purchase department's Manager Choi Changshik was taking on him.
'I've already met this month's quota...'
The amount of money he earned from clearing dungeons for a week was 2 billion won.
Taehyun fell into a sweet sleep as he thought of Manager Choi Changshik's surprised yet satisfied expression.
"Oh... It's Kim Taehyun."
"Tae, Taehyun, hi?"
Some of the kids who belatedly entered the classroom greeted him, pretending to know him.
They were reminded of the sight of him trampling on Jo Taeshik and Gu Beommo on the first day of his regression.
After that, he even hospitalized Bae Hyeoksu, so it was only natural that the kids' gazes changed.
Taehyun, who was yawning, ignored the greetings and leaned back on his desk.
He thought he could sleep for another 20 minutes before the first period started.
"Hey. Apparently, two ogres invaded Sehwa High School and about twenty people died."
"Wow. We could have ended up like Sehwa High School if we were unlucky, huh?"
"I guess even the monsters were scared of GeonGuk High School."
"Well, our school isn't a special autonomous private high school for nothing."
The classroom quickly became noisy with talk about the gate break.
'Autonomous private high school, huh.'
Taehyun recalled that word he had forgotten.
GeonGuk High School was a special purpose autonomous private high school that favored Awakeners.
Sponsored by the giant corporation Taesan Electronics.
Other than the good facilities, it wasn't different from other high schools, but Taehyun knew.
That all of this was a well-crafted business plan.
'Everyone was surprised when Taesan Electronics jumped into the player industry.'
On the surface, they were practicing noblesse oblige, investing huge amounts of money, and running scholarship programs.
But the reality was that they were only sponsoring GeonGuk High School as a strategic base for the player industry and guild establishment that they would carry out later.
How many people know this at this point in time?
Then.
"Oh~ My best friend is taking a nap?"
It was a familiar yet youthful voice.
'He can't become a gentleman.'
He looked up and saw a man blocking his way.
Lee Jungjae.
The grandson of Taesan Electronics Chairman Lee Jaehyun and the guy who manipulated the GeonGuk High School bullies from behind the scenes.
He was also an S-rank Awakener and the future master of the Taesan Guild.
"Tsk. You're ruining my appetite from the morning."
Taehyun said as if he was annoyed, and the faces of the goons behind Lee Jungjae hardened fiercely.
They were all worse than Bae Hyeoksu.
"Haha. You're still the same. Always so prickly."
Lee Jungjae chuckled and shrugged his shoulders.
'What a despicable bastard.'
GeonGuk High School, where all the students were Awakeners.
The reason Taehyun, who had not yet awakened his skills, was able to enroll here was because his potential rank was highly evaluated as unknown.
He would awaken before becoming a sophomore at the latest.
That was the thought that allowed him to be admitted.
Lee Jungjae was also interested in Taehyun with that thought, and they were quite close during their freshman year.
Only during their freshman year.
'Do you think someone like you is on my level?'
Those were the words he said when he saw Taehyun, who had not awakened even as a sophomore.
As Taehyun, who had been caught up in unnecessary incidents because of that, he wanted to punch him in the face right away.
"Hey, friend. Shall we talk for a bit?"
A burst of laughter escaped without him realizing it.
He could more than guess what Lee Jungjae was thinking when he came to find him.
'He must want to ask if I've awakened.'
Gu Beommo and Jo Taeshik, as well as Bae Hyeoksu, who could be said to be his right-hand man, were all hospitalized overnight.
Especially since Bae Hyeoksu's awakening rank was C.
There was no way he would believe the words that the naive Choi Nayoung wouldn't even believe, that he fell down the stairs.
That being said, what could he ask Bae Hyeoksu, who was unconscious?
"Go away~ I don't want to talk to a guy who hangs out with goons."
"This bastard, really!!"
Slap.
Lee Jungjae slapped Goon 1, who was excited and trying to rush at him.
"Friend. Can't you see I'm talking?"
His cold voice echoed through the quiet classroom.
It was the true nature of the pretentious Lee Jungjae.
"Kim Taehyun. Come with me when I tell you to. Or do I have to use 'force' to get you to move?"
"Force, huh."
Taehyun looked down at Lee Jungjae's eyes as if he were looking at a bug.
'I do want to clash with him once.'
A desire to confirm his growth was rising.
But soon, Taehyun calmed his emotions.
There was no point in attracting attention here.
Just in time, an interesting situation was unfolding.
"Lee Jungjae. What's going on in our class?"
As if she had been to the faculty room, Im Ah-young appeared with a bundle of papers in her hands.
"Ah, I just came to see a friend for a bit. I'm just going to take this guy out, so don't worry about it."
Im Ah-young's gaze turned to Taehyun.
Taehyun shrugged his shoulders as if to ask if it was true.
And surprisingly.
"It seems like Kim Taehyun thinks differently? I'd like you to leave now. I have something to tell him."
Im Ah-young pointed to the exit.
Lee Jungjae's eyebrow twitched at that sight.
"Im Ah-young. Don't you think you're crossing the line?"
The temperature around them rose rapidly.
Lee Jungjae's skill 'Heart of Flame' was being used.
At the same time.
"Lee Jungjae. Can't you understand when I politely ask you to leave?"
A terrible chill was felt from Im Ah-young.
It was due to her skill 'Ice Age'.
'These cute kids. Are they planning to blow up the classroom?'
Climate change created by the collision of heat and cold.
It was when a stream of sweat was flowing down Taehyun's forehead, who was in between them.
[This is the broadcasting department. There will be a special lecture in the auditorium, so all students are requested to gather in the auditorium immediately. I repeat. In the auditorium...]
Creak.
Taehyun got up from his seat.
"If you're going to fight, should I clear out of the way? It would be worth watching two S-rank Awakeners fighting."
"......"
"......"
It was Lee Jungjae who gathered his magic power first.
"Well, fine. I'll back down here for now. I'll see you again anyway."
With a sly smile.
Lee Jungjae led his group out of the classroom.
It was only after his figure had completely disappeared from his sight that Im Ah-young opened her mouth.
"Kim Taehyun. What was that guy doing here?"
Taehyun ignored her question and leaned back in his chair.
"Unexpected~ Is our class president this kind of hot-blooded type?"
"As class president, I naturally have to..."
"Ah, I see."
Taehyun cut off her words and left the classroom as he was.
A special lecture in the auditorium immediately after the gate break.
'It's been a while since I've seen him.'
There would be someone from the Player Association there.
----------------------------------
Episode 12
A thousand students crowded into the auditorium.
"Hello. I'm Go Tae-wook from the personnel department of the Korean Player Association. Nice to meet you."
Go Tae-wook, wearing a suit, greeted them with a bright smile.
The students, who hadn't been informed of any announcement, buzzed with confusion.
"First of all, I believe many students were frightened by the recent Gate Break incident. As an employee of the association, I sincerely apologize once again."
Go Tae-wook bowed deeply before raising his head.
Tae-hyun watched the scene with a welcoming gaze.
'It's been a while, Deputy Chief Go.'
Go Tae-wook, the Deputy Chief of the Personnel Department of the Korean Player Association.
He was one of the few who introduced Tae-hyun, a non-awakened person, to a job, never giving up on his dream of becoming a player.
'After today, Deputy Chief Go will know about me too.'
Even as Tae-hyun smiled warmly at him, Go Tae-wook conveyed his condolences and apologies to the victims.
And then.
"Many of you seem curious as to why I'm here."
Many of the students nodded.
A Player Association employee visiting without notice as soon as the school closure was lifted.
They are busy with abyss exploration and cooperation regarding Minds.
It wasn't hard to sense that there was another reason behind this unprecedented move.
"I'm here not only to provide safety lectures, but also to meet the next generation of players who will be responsible for the future of New Korea."
With those words, Go Tae-wook quietly used his skill.
'Safety lectures, my foot.'
Tae-hyun didn't believe Go Tae-wook's words at face value.
The safety lecture was a fake.
The real purpose was the latter part, "the next generation of players who will be responsible for the future."
'At Geon-guk High, Im Ah-young and Lee Jung-jae will be scouted.'
Immediately after the Gate Break.
The Player Association and Nightwalker dispatched employees with 'measurement' skills to secure numerous talents.
This was to grant them the qualification to take the player exam early.
The selection was rigorous.
Many players were born from those who awakened with high grades or awakened with high-level skills.
Player.
It was not only a qualification certifying that one met the minimum requirements to explore the abyss.
It was also evidence of being in the upper class in the pyramid-structured modern society.
A ladder to upward mobility.
A certificate.
In other words, upon obtaining a player license, various benefits were granted.
Therefore, it was common in society for many awakened people to apply for the Association exam.
'Back then, I thought that was the only way for a dragon to rise from the gutter.'
Tae-hyun smiled bitterly as he recalled his past life when he struggled to become a player.
'But there's no need to rush this time.'
Players were given various benefits, but in emergencies, they also had to fulfill their military service obligations under the name of the country.
In the past, he didn't care about such things, but now Tae-hyun had a few things to do before entering the abyss.
'I wonder if I'll be detected too?'
Tae-hyun, who had cleared two more dungeons, was currently at C-rank.
Could [Gluttony] really block Go Tae-wook's skill, which even S-rank players couldn't avoid?
The reason Tae-hyun came to this auditorium was to confirm just that.
As expected.
[Skill usage detected. Caught by Observer's Eye (A). Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]
A message popped up in front of his eyes.
'Heh.'
Tae-hyun smiled in satisfaction, confident that Go Tae-wook couldn't read his status window.
A C-rank skill blocking an A-rank player's skill.
Even Tae-hyun thought it was ridiculous.
'There are indeed many talented individuals.'
Go Tae-wook, using the skill 'Observer's Eye,' looked around the students with a satisfied expression.
Or rather, it was the numbers floating above their heads that he was looking at.
The numbers, visible only to him, represented the students' current abilities numerically.
'150, 220, 254, that kid already has an ability score close to 300.'
The ability score was a numerical representation of physical stats, skills, awakening rank, and skill rank.
It wasn't something to be blindly believed, but it was a rough indicator.
All the students attending Geon-guk High had considerable ability scores.
Then.
His gaze stopped on one girl.
'1,250! Already at the level of a C-rank player?'
It was an unbelievable number for a mere teenager's ability score.
Impressed, he focused his mana, and a simplified version of her status window appeared before his eyes.
Name: Im Ah-young
Age: 19
Rank: S
[Skills]
Ice Age (S)
Body Enhancement (B)
Weapon Enhancement (B)
Total Ability Score: 1,250
'So this child is Im Ah-young. What an incredible talent.'
Go Tae-wook exclaimed inwardly.
Im Ah-young.
She was one of the reasons Go Tae-wook had come here.
Not only had she awakened an S-rank skill, but she was also a multi-skill holder, with even her non-main skills being B-rank.
With this much potential, if she received professional training and gained experience, it wouldn't be surprising if she made it into the top 10 of the player rankings.
'Then that child must be…'
His gaze turned to a boy who was showing a similar number to Im Ah-young.
Name: Lee Jung-jae
Age: 19
Rank: S
[Skills]
Heart of Flame (S)
Heart of the Monarch (C)
Total Ability Score: 1,050
'As expected. This one's a monster too.'
Flame-type skills, with just a few requirements, boasted the most powerful destructive force among attribute skills.
In particular, 'Heart of the Monarch' didn't work on monsters, but it was a buff-type skill that greatly increased the combat power of those who followed him.
Depending on what kind of party he formed in the future, he could become an existence equivalent to an army.
'To think that such talented individuals are gathered in one school. I understand why the association president told me to pay attention.'
There were roughly over fifty children who seemed qualified to take the player exam right away.
Compared to the fact that you'd be lucky to find one in a school, it was truly a prestigious school for player advancement.
Especially.
'Im Ah-young and Lee Jung-jae. If these children are well-groomed, they could become national-level powerhouses.'
Awakening, the basic qualification to become a player.
Just because you awakened with a high rank didn't mean you could immediately use tremendous power.
There were cases where the skill rank was low even if you awakened with a high rank, and cases where the skill rank was high even if you awakened with a low rank.
The former was fortunate, but in the latter case, there were many who couldn't use their skills for life due to a lack of mana.
Moreover, active players were masters of survival who had experienced all sorts of hardships in the abyss.
There was a clear difference in class between them and the teenage kids who only used skills in a greenhouse.
But there were exceptions to everything.
Since Im Ah-young and Lee Jung-jae had both high inherent ranks and skill ranks.
Go Tae-wook thought that they might be able to face off against a C-rank player even in their current state.
"Excuse me. Deputy Chief Go Tae-wook?"
It was when Go Tae-wook, having finished the safety lecture, was about to start talking about players in earnest.
Then a man raised his hand, attracting the attention of those around him.
It was Lee Jung-jae, one of the people he had to hand a player exam invitation to.
"Do you have a question?"
"Player qualification exam. Aren't these lectures only necessary for the awakened?"
"That's true, but…?"
Lee Jung-jae gave a bitter smile as Go Tae-wook looked puzzled.
He looked at a man and said.
"It seems like there's a student here who doesn't need to listen to this lecture."
Tae-hyun was where his gaze was directed.
"Kim Tae-hyun. What are the other kids going to be if you're holding on here?"
Only then did Go Tae-wook recognize Tae-hyun at Lee Jung-jae's words.
He looked ordinary on the outside.
However.
Soon his eyes narrowed.
'I can't see his ability score?'
The total ability score that should have been visible was not visible.
It wasn't that the skill was canceled, as the other children were still visible.
Go Tae-wook focused his mana on Tae-hyun.
And a message window appeared.
[Unable to retrieve information.]
'What? What is this…'
Go Tae-wook activated the skill once more.
[Unable to retrieve information.]
Go Tae-wook's face was filled with bewilderment at the impossible event.
The students began to stir as much as Go Tae-wook.
"Come to think of it, Kim Tae-hyun is still unawakened, isn't he?"
"Lee Jung-jae's words aren't wrong."
"Hey. Aren't you being too discriminatory among friends?"
"Friends, my foot. That guy's just a fighter."
"Hey, watch your mouth. Did you not see what happened to Goo Beom-mo and Jo Tae-shik?"
"Hey. That's all just rumors, right?"
"Rumor has it that Bae Hyuk-soo was also Kim Tae-hyun's doing…"
Go Tae-wook grasped the situation from the murmuring voices.
'Not everyone was awakened?'
Come to think of it, one of the teachers seemed to have mentioned that there was such a child.
He had forgotten because it didn't fit his purpose here.
In the meantime.
Lee Jung-jae, who had walked over to Tae-hyun, shouted once more.
It echoed loudly throughout the auditorium.
"There's no reason for an unawakened guy to be here. Kim Tae-hyun. Or have you 'awakened' in the meantime?"
It was a clear provocation to give shame.
It was the appearance he had been expecting.
A smile appeared on Tae-hyun's face.
"Ah, that's true."
At that moment.
Beep.
Go Tae-wook's mouth opened slightly.
It was only for a moment.
But it was because of the number that had floated above Tae-hyun's head.
'5… 5,000…?'
That was a number that could never come out of a teenager.
Especially not from an unawakened one.
No, it shouldn't have come out.
[Skill usage detected. Caught by Observer's Eye (A). Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]
He ignored the message that appeared before his eyes and turned around.
He had been kicked out because of Lee Jung-jae's remarks in his past life as well, but this time it was of his own will.
Because there was nothing more to see here.
After that.
The mockery of Lee Jung-jae, which he had expected, continued.
"If losers like you want to make a living, study hard. Who knows? Maybe I'll hire you as an employee."
It was a statement that crossed the line.
But no one in the auditorium could say anything to Lee Jung-jae.
Whether they were teachers or students, there was no point in being targeted by him.
It was truly absolute power.
He might have shouted out of shame, but Tae-hyun, the person involved, simply ignored it.
'There's no need to hang out with him right now.'
There were quite a few undiscovered dungeons left not only in Seoul but also throughout New Korea.
Among them were S-rank dungeons teeming with high-level monsters.
'You might need my skills back then.'
The corners of Tae-hyun's mouth went up as he made eye contact with Lee Jung-jae.
"Thanks for the advice."
"What?"
Tae-hyun, giving a bright smile to the future prey, left the auditorium.
Amidst the murmuring children and teachers.
Go Tae-wook was blankly watching the scene.
----------------------------------
Episode 13
After leaving the auditorium, Taehyun headed to the central library.
Unlike most high schools, Geon-guk High School operates a total of three libraries.
And among those libraries, the central library was the one that held the materials Taehyun wanted.
"Hello."
Taehyun greeted the librarian who was organizing books alone in the quiet library.
"Oh, Taehyun. What brings you here at this hour?"
A middle-aged woman in her forties, who had been engrossed in organizing books, greeted Taehyun.
Perhaps because all the students and faculty were gathered in the auditorium, the already quiet library felt deserted.
"I thought I'd read a book for the first time in a while."
At his meaningless words, the librarian gave him a knowing look.
It was because he usually spent time here as a place of rest.
Kim Taehyun, the only non-awakened person in Geon-guk High School, reads books in the library whenever he has time.
It was already a well-known fact to those who knew.
"Player corner again this time?"
"Yeah, well."
"I hope our Taehyun awakens soon."
"I hope so too."
As he received the librarian's sincere words, he left his student ID and went inside.
A space that remained vividly in his memory even after 15 years.
It wasn't difficult to find the player corner there.
'As expected of Geon-guk High School.'
Bookshelves that towered over his height stretched out on both sides.
All the books placed there were related to players.
Taehyun, who was walking through them, picked up three books.
They were titled 'Awakened Skill Distribution Status', 'Unrevealed Mysteries of the Abyss', and 'Rulers of the Abyss', respectively.
Taehyun, who sat down in a seat, began to quickly turn the pages.
Since he had already seen most of the books here once, there was no hesitation in turning the pages.
[The monsters that exist in the Abyss are basically divided into E to SS grades... The currently visually discovered individuals... The SS-grade Kraken lives in the Demon Sea and has driven countless players to their deaths...]
'As expected, it hasn't been discovered yet.'
Taehyun frowned as he quickly read through the thick book.
Even in this revised edition, there was no mention of Asmodeus.
That's because Asmodeus would be discovered 10 years from now and be given the first SSS grade.
It was not an existence that could be discovered at a time when even SS-grade players had not yet appeared.
After that, Taehyun looked through a few more books.
And the conclusion was.
'It's not there. Nothing.'
He stopped looking for information about Asmodeus.
He would be discovered naturally over time anyway, and he wasn't an existence that affected Taehyun right now.
But.
'I have to find out his identity no matter what.'
The existence 'King' who made light of Asmodeus and regressed himself.
He was now accepting the fact that he had regressed to the past.
But he didn't intend to just stand by and do nothing.
'If he made me regress, there must be a reason.'
He was living a new life based on his awakened powers.
He was determined to become the best in this life.
Not to be swayed by anyone, not to kneel to anyone.
'So.'
He needed information about the mysterious power that the King used.
Of course, nothing came out.
'As expected, there are limits to general information.'
The Geon-guk High School Library, with Tae-san Electronics as its foundation, boasts an unimaginable scale.
But that's it.
At best, it's amazing from a general person's point of view, but there are clear limitations to knowledge and information about players.
One place naturally came to Taehyun's mind.
'Player Association.'
A place that boasts the best information about the Abyss and skills, as well as general books.
If it's confidential information that is only open to top-level players.
He might be able to find a way to know about the King.
As soon as he thought about it, his body began to heat up.
Standing at the top as a player.
Taehyun had one more reason to achieve his goal.
'I have to get revenge on that Asmodeus guy, too.'
He couldn't forget the look on the guy's face when he was playing with him.
At that time.
The librarian's urgent voice echoed in the quiet room.
"Wait, wait a minute... Student Myeong-gyun... please leave your student ID first..."
"It'll only take a moment."
Soon a man stopped in front of the table where Taehyun was sitting.
"So you were here. Kim Taehyun."
He was a guy with a moderate height and distinctive sharp glasses.
One of Lee Jung-jae's henchmen. Kim Myeong-gyun.
If Bae Hyuk-soo was his right arm, this guy was his left arm.
"What's up?"
Taehyun looked up at him and asked indifferently.
He could guess the reason well enough.
Because he deliberately led him to do so.
"Come with me. If you don't want to make a scene."
Kim Myeong-gyun pointed his chin towards the entrance. The librarian was looking worriedly in front of it.
"You didn't care when Goo Beom-mo and Jo Tae-shik were fighting."
"What?"
"Judging from the fact that you're moving yourself, Lee Jung-jae must be pretty anxious."
"You little..."
Seeing Kim Myeong-gyun getting excited, Taehyun got up from his seat.
If he had to do it anyway.
"Okay. The rooftop would be a good place, right?"
It was better to finish quickly and enjoy the pleasure.
"Now you're making some sense."
Taehyun smiled slyly behind Kim Myeong-gyun, who was raising the corners of his mouth with a bitter smile.
Geon-guk High School rooftop.
Taehyun whistled as he entered the smoking zone.
The places that had been broken in the battle with Bae Hyuk-soo had been neatly repaired.
'But the fact that there's no comment means.'
Taehyun looked at Kim Myeong-gyun, who was scanning him.
Even though there was no evidence through CCTV, Bae Hyuk-soo's condition was not light enough to just pass over.
Logically, the school or teacher should have questioned Taehyun about something.
But the fact that there was no comment meant.
'Lee Jung-jae must have intervened.'
It wasn't difficult to figure out the picture that Lee Jung-jae had drawn.
If it was him, who was backed by the halo of Tae-san Electronics, and with that shady personality, he could easily do that.
Everyone must be in the auditorium now, so the rooftop would be deserted for a while.
"Bae Hyuk-soo. You were the one who did that, right?"
Kim Myeong-gyun asked after confirming that there was no one on the rooftop.
"Seems like you're already convinced?"
Kim Myeong-gyun spat out a curse at Taehyun's nonchalance.
"A loser bastard who doesn't know his place."
Kim Myeong-gyun was growling, but.
Taehyun didn't feel any threat.
"Hoo. Well, okay. Since Jung-jae told me to, I should at least bring it up. Are you, by any chance, awakened?"
"What if I am?"
"What grade did you awaken as?"
Pfft.
He couldn't help but laugh.
'As expected, he's just a kid.'
Adult awakened people make full use of their skills and grades to work in various places.
Physical stats and skills, effort, growth rate, etc.
The various aspects of awakened people are recognized as abilities in this era.
Some companies sell the information of awakened people at high prices.
Knight Walker, one of the four major guilds, was a prime example.
So.
From the start, it was ridiculous to think that he would blurt out this information himself.
"Are you just wearing that head as decoration? Isn't there a reason why skill measurers get good treatment?"
Kim Myeong-gyun clicked his tongue at Taehyun's sarcasm.
"Tsk tsk. You shouldn't put on unnecessary airs. You should know about my skills, right?"
Kim Myeong-gyun. One of the few C-grade awakened people even within Geon-guk High School, which is full of awakened people. And even a double skill.
In particular, one of the two skills, 'Psychometry', is the ability to peek into the memories of the person you touch.
As the grade increases, these mental skills are highly valued. There was a reason why Lee Jung-jae kept him by his side.
But there was no way the activation conditions for such a skill would be easy.
"Psychometry. You need B-grade magic power to use that skill, right?"
Kim Myeong-gyun's awakening grade is C, but Psychometry is treated as a B-grade skill.
This is because magic power is not something that a single C-grade awakened person can handle.
That's why Taehyun had never heard of him using Psychometry until he graduated from high school.
'Of course, I'm an exception.'
The corners of his mouth went up as he recalled his specialness.
It wasn't strange that Kim Myeong-gyun took that as provocation.
"You little... you heard something somewhere and you're putting on airs. But there's one thing you overlooked."
Kim Myeong-gyun took something out of his pocket.
A stone that emitted a subtle purple light and radiated power.
Magic power amplification stone.
An item that an ordinary high school student should not have was in Kim Myeong-gyun's hand.
"If I use this, there's no problem using the skill. Well, it's a waste to waste it on something like this."
"You're going all out."
Magic stone, the heart of a monster.
Magic power amplification stones are created by processing such magic stones.
The difference may vary depending on the magic stone, but it would be enough to temporarily raise Kim Myeong-gyun's magic power to B-grade.
'He must be really curious about whether I've awakened or not.'
Lee Jung-jae had been greedy for talent since before.
Even after becoming the leader of the Tae-san Guild, which would be established later, he was a guy who coveted the Big 5 with aggressive talent recruitment.
He would be curious about what grade Taehyun, who had defeated Jo Tae-shik, Goo Beom-mo, and Bae Hyuk-soo, had become.
Completely forgetting what he had said and done.
"Hey Kim Taehyun. Don't make me use this expensive item for nothing, and let's just go easy. Jung-jae is quite 기대하고 in you, contrary to what he says."
Taehyun shook his head at the contradictory attitude.
"Stop talking nonsense and use it."
"What?"
"Activate the skill. Lee Jung-jae's errand boy."
"You little... you're forcing me...!!"
Kwaaaa.
Magic power rose from Kim Myeong-gyun's body, who had used the skill.
B-grade magic power covered Taehyun.
Tting.
[Skill usage detected. Afflicted with Paralysis (D). Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]
[Skill usage detected. Afflicted with Psychometry (B). Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]
Taehyun shrugged after checking the messages in front of him.
There was nothing surprising since he had already confirmed that he could block even A-grade skills.
"Wh-what's going on... why isn't anything..."
Kim Myeong-gyun started to panic noticeably because nothing had changed even though he had used the skill.
This was because he realized that not only paralysis but also psychometry had no effect at all.
"H-how can you move... don't tell me..."
"You must be flustered."
He checked the cooldown of the skill by checking the status window.
A kind smile was made.
"You asked Bae Hyuk-soo what you did to him, right?"
He stretched out his hand towards Kim Myeong-gyun, who was trembling.
"Experience it yourself."
Taehyun's eyes, looking at Kim Myeong-gyun, changed into those of a beast in front of its prey.
A little later.
Kim Myeong-gyun's screams echoed on the rooftop.
------------------------------------
Episode 14
"Kim Tae-hyun, where have you been?"
Amidst the bustling children, Im A-young abruptly approached and asked.
With an expression as if it were a duty she, as class president, should naturally fulfill.
"I went to the infirmary."
"The infirmary? Are you sick?"
He was on his way back from leaving Kim Myung-gyun with Choi Na-young in the infirmary, but he didn't elaborate.
"Why do you need to know? Do I have to report everything I do?"
Im A-young fell silent at Tae-hyun's words.
She realized she was being nosy, but she felt compelled to say this much.
"...Be careful. Lee Jung-jae and his gang's movements are unusual."
Lee Jung-jae.
In a school receiving financial support from Taesan Electronics, that name carried significant weight.
Just ten years ago, Konkuk High was criticized as a low-level school and faced the risk of closure.
But when rumors spread that the school started receiving financial support from Taesan Electronics, talented kids flocked to it.
The rumor that Lee Jung-jae, the third-generation heir of Taesan Electronics, would enroll in Konkuk High moved the hearts of parents who wanted to make 'connections.'
As a result.
Konkuk High became the best prestigious high school in the area, filled with Awakened.
Tae-hyun was the same.
He applied to ease the burden, attracted by the offer of tuition exemption upon admission, and was accepted for his potential.
If he had known the school would be so swayed by Lee Jung-jae, he would have thought differently.
But it was already in the past, and he no longer had any business at the school.
Today would be the last time Tae-hyun visited the school.
"Thanks for the advice."
"......"
Im A-young looked slightly surprised at Tae-hyun's reaction.
Tae-hyun, back at his seat, opened his status window.
Name: Kim Tae-hyun
Age: 19
Rank: C
Strength: 30 Stamina: 32 Speed: 31 Mana: 65
Fatigue: 30%
Remaining Mana: 36/65
[Skills]
Devour (22%) - Can devour a desired target. Requires Yoma Energy: 15
Stone Skin (C) - Can reinforce the body. Requires Yoma Energy: 9
Stealth (C) - Can conceal the body. Requires Yoma Energy: 8
Paralysis (C) - Restrains the target's body. Requires Yoma Energy: 7
'It would have been nice if Psychometry had been registered.'
Even though he had already confirmed it, he couldn't help but feel disappointed.
The skill was definitely used properly, but only one skill was absorbed from Kim Myung-gyun.
'Is it because my stats are too low? Or can you only absorb one skill from someone with multiple skills?'
Devour.
The more he used it, the more questions arose instead of being answered.
'But I can't use Devour again.'
It wasn't just because of the cooldown.
The fatigue issue was already resolved with the potion he had in his pocket.
It was simply.
'Kim Myung-gyun is definitely going to be held back a year.'
Unlike Bae Hyuk-soo, Kim Myung-gyun suffered from a C-rank 'Devour.'
The guy who didn't even have a body enhancement skill was in worse shape than Bae Hyuk-soo and was moved to the infirmary.
With the ridiculous excuse that he fell down the stairs.
Even that would have resulted in death like Han Sang-do if Tae-hyun hadn't controlled his power.
'From tomorrow, I need to focus on dungeon raids again.'
Tae-hyun closed his status window with a satisfied expression.
There was plenty of time, and there were many skills to devour.
The thought of how strong he could become made him feel excited.
'Lee Jung-jae must be fuming right now.'
He was the type who never did dirty work himself.
Both his right and left hands, who used to take care of things for him, were gone, so what kind of reaction would he show?
Just imagining it made him feel sweet. It was another satisfying day.
Player Association. President's office.
Ji Jin-hee looked around at the five players sitting on the sofa.
"So, have you all seen a lot of talented individuals?"
At his words, the five department heads with measurement skills nodded.
Even though they had only scouted high schools in the Seoul area, they had found a significant number of Awakened.
The fact that just five people could show this level of efficiency was thanks to the data Night Walker had provided.
"There were more outstanding kids than I thought."
"If we lower the difficulty of the exam, we can increase the number by at least 300."
"Have you forgotten the president's principles? We will not lower the difficulty of the exam."
"Then the final number of合格者 will be about 50."
The four department heads discussed the upcoming player qualification exam, estimating the possibilities.
"How about Department Head Go? You were in charge of Konkuk High, right?"
Ji Jin-hee, recalling the two students recommended by Yoo A-young, both from Konkuk High, asked with expectant eyes.
"Yes. Im A-young and Lee Jung-jae. Both of them seem highly likely to become national-level forces in the future."
At those words, the other department heads began to stir.
"National-level forces? Is that really true, Department Head Go?"
"If Department Head Go assessed them, it must be certain."
Even if they possessed the same skill, the user was ultimately the Awakened themselves.
Therefore, depending on how the skill was trained, it could exhibit a different level of power.
In that regard, Go Tae-wook was known to possess the highest level of technique among players with measurement skills.
That was why Ji Jin-hee had entrusted Konkuk High to him.
"Well, it's about time Korea produced that kind of power. We can't keep lagging behind Japan."
"This is all thanks to the president maintaining a close relationship with the four major guilds."
"No. As a citizen of Shin Han-guk, it's only natural for me to do what I should."
S-rank player Ji Jin-hee.
A significant amount of time had passed since he retired from active duty and took the position of president.
During that time, his influence was significant in maintaining a cooperative relationship, at least outwardly, among the four major guilds that had been competing for their own interests.
"Speaking of which, there are rumors that Japan is also lowering the age for qualification exams."
"It's already been 10 years since their 'Saintess' appeared. It's understandable that they're anxious."
"In the future, there will come a day when anyone with ability, regardless of age, will be able to work as a player, not just adults."
Other things were said, but they all led to the upcoming player exam.
"Alright. Then let's send invitations to the kids we've identified this time."
With those words, the five department heads left the president's office.
"Department Head Go, you've looked unwell since earlier. Is something wrong?"
"Haha. Did you get reverse-detected while detecting national-level talent? Our invincible Department Head Go Tae-wook?"
Go Tae-wook chuckled at the other department heads who spoke jokingly.
"Well, maybe that's possible."
"Whoa, if our Department Head Go is saying this, it must be really legendary talent?"
"The future of Shin Han-guk is bright."
Amidst the department heads who were excited about the new talents, Go Tae-wook opened his mouth without much thought.
"Gentlemen, do you perhaps remember when the Saintess's stats were first measured?"
"It would be strange if we didn't remember. It was 2,500, wasn't it?"
"And that was at the age of 19. It was an unbelievable number."
"Asia was turned upside down by that legendary talent. An ordinary teenage girl possessing such stats."
"But why are you suddenly asking about that?"
"...No. It's nothing."
"......?"
After parting with the department heads, Go Tae-wook entered his private office and found a document on his desk.
It was information he had requested from the association's background check department.
'His name is Kim Tae-hyun, huh.'
It was information about the only non-Awakened at Konkuk High.
The document listed information about Kim Tae-hyun, whom he had seen that day.
His rank was marked as unknown, but Go Tae-wook was certain.
That he had awakened some kind of special power.
Otherwise, there was no explanation for him blocking his skill and the momentarily rising stats.
'He hasn't applied to be an Awakened yet.'
Usually, when non-Awakened awaken a skill, they immediately notify the Awakened Association.
There may be individual differences, but it's either because of the hardship they endured as non-Awakened, or because of the hope that their life will be a bed of roses.
But Kim Tae-hyun did not.
'There's definitely something going on.'
Since he hadn't registered as an Awakened, he wouldn't be able to send him an invitation to the player qualification exam.
Therefore.
"It seems like I have one more kid to keep an eye on."
Go Tae-wook looked at Tae-hyun's photo with a seemingly pleased expression.
"Hey, have you heard the rumor?"
"What? About the Player Association sending invitations to talented kids?"
"No, not that."
The day after Go Tae-wook visited Konkuk High.
Tae-hyun's class was buzzing from the morning.
"Kim Myung-gyun from Class 7, they say he's been hospitalized in a university hospital?"
"There are rumors that he's unconscious like Bae Hyuk-soo..."
"Kim Tae-hyun was the first one to find him."
"Kim Tae-hyun again?"
Murmur, murmur.
Tae-hyun ignored the gazes fixed on him and turned the page of his book.
He knew that there were only 3 minutes left until the bell rang to signal the start of the first period.
Then, Im A-young approached.
"Is the rumor true?"
Ignoring her.
Tae-hyun turned the page of his book.
It was already expected that Kim Myung-gyun would be hospitalized in the same hospital as Bae Hyuk-soo.
He hadn't taken his life, but he had thoroughly crushed him to prevent him from talking about Devour.
"Kim Tae-hyun. Violence can never be justified under any circumstances. Could it be that you've awak—"
Thud.
Tae-hyun closed the book he was reading and looked into Im A-young's eyes.
"Spare me the lecture."
The bell rang to signal the start of the first period.
Creak.
Tae-hyun, rising from his seat, whispered softly into her ear.
"Don't be so arrogant."
"What?"
Tae-hyun headed to the rooftop without answering. It was where he had devoured Bae Hyuk-soo and Kim Myung-gyun.
'Lee Jung-jae. He's becoming a nuisance.'
He thought he wouldn't have to come to school anymore.
He had achieved everything he needed to from the school.
Nevertheless, he came to school again because of a phone call he received last night.
[Kim Tae-hyun. So you really did awaken?]
A voice that seemed to look down on people.
It was Lee Jung-jae.
"I'm hanging up."
[Whoa, wait a minute. I heard you're living at your aunt's house? The household doesn't seem to be doing too well... How would you feel if your shop went bankrupt because of your nephew?]
"Get to the point."
[Hehe. Now you're talking. Kim Tae-hyun, come to the rooftop tomorrow when the first period bell rings. Alone. Don't tell anyone.]
Click.
With a unilateral notification, the call ended.
And it was today.
'Lee Jung-jae. He's crossing the line.'
He could fully anticipate why the guy was making him come to the rooftop.
The arrogance of trying to subdue Tae-hyun in the place where he had lost his henchmen.
He was more than capable of doing that.
As expected.
There were two men waiting on the rooftop.
Lee Jung-jae in a school uniform and a middle-aged man in a suit.
"Welcome, Kim Tae-hyun. You don't look too good?"
With that, Lee Jung-jae nodded, and the man next to him used his skill.
[Skill usage detected. You have been affected by Enhanced Hypnosis (A). Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]
A message window appeared before his eyes.
"Is that all?"
He wasn't intimidated despite having an S-rank Awakened and an A-rank Awakened in front of him.
"Alright. It has to be this much to be fun."
Lee Jung-jae wore a sinister expression.
Following that.
The corners of Tae-hyun's lips rose.
Now that he had come to school anyway.
He was planning to get his transportation fee for sure.
-----------------------------------
Episode 15
[Skill usage detected. Affected by Enhanced Hypnosis (A). Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]
[Skill usage detected. Affected by Enhanced Paralysis (B). Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]
[Skill usage detected. Affected by Enhanced Bleeding (B). Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]
Messages continuously appeared before my eyes.
It was proof that the opponent was constantly casting skills.
'A multi-skill user.'
Moreover, an Awakened who has enhanced his skills.
The messages that kept appearing only disappeared after a minute.
"This is amazing. You deflected all my skills."
The man whispered as Tae-hyun showed no symptoms.
At those words, Lee Jung-jae wore a bitter smile.
"So, you did Awaken, Kim Tae-hyun."
"Is there anything else?"
Tae-hyun said, checking his skills.
'Devour,' 'Stone Skin,' 'Stealth,' 'Paralysis.'
The four skills were shining as if they were ready to be used right now.
"Whoa, whoa. Don't make such a scary face. Didn't Myung-gyun tell you? I just want to scout you."
"For that, you went too far."
Tae-hyun used 'Stone Skin.'
As if he also had a magic detection skill, a change appeared on the man's face.
At that sight, Lee Jung-jae raised the corners of his mouth once again.
"Is that your skill? Doesn't look special at first glance... A physical enhancement type. And considerable magic resistance..."
Physical stats that increased upon reaching C-rank.
A fist that quickly dug in was swung towards Lee Jung-jae.
However.
Thud.
Lee Jung-jae caught Tae-hyun's fist with such ease.
"If Hyuk-soo and Myung-gyun were defeated, then at least B-rank. But you're not just that much."
Crush.
As Lee Jung-jae put strength into his hand, Tae-hyun's face grimaced.
'This guy. His physical stats are absurdly high.'
The blessed S-rank physique.
The power emanating from that physique was strong enough for Tae-hyun, who used Stone Skin, to feel pain.
'So that's why he's called an S-rank Awakened.'
Certainly, Lee Jung-jae's performance in his past life could not be ignored.
He acquired a player license before graduating high school, and was already called a rookie, 'The Crimson Slaughterer,' in his mid-twenties.
Innate talent combined with the capital of the Taesan Group.
By the time he was thirty-five, he was a skilled person who had raised the Taesan Guild to a level similar to the existing four major guilds.
Because he was such a promising talent.
He was demonstrating sufficient strength even though he wasn't yet a formal player.
"With this much power, you'd be a B-rank at least... But not as much as I thought. Anything else to show?"
Tae-hyun, who roughly pulled his hand away from the mocking Lee Jung-jae, stepped back.
"Lee Jung-jae. You could pass for an active player at this point?"
At Tae-hyun's words, Lee Jung-jae burst into laughter.
"You noticed that from the attack just now? Makes me want to keep you even lower than I thought."
No matter how much of an S-rank Awakened he was.
The opponent was a fledgling who had not even acquired a player license.
In comparison, Tae-hyun had experience dealing with B-rank Mins and even A-rank monsters.
'To block that punch so easily.'
It meant that Lee Jung-jae's level had reached at least a low-A-rank player.
'Did I underestimate him too much?'
Tae-hyun, who had been silently circling around, glanced at the man standing far away.
'Two players of A-rank or higher.'
The basics of combat are to assess the opponent's capabilities.
Given this level of power difference, it would be normal to admit defeat cleanly.
As if reading Tae-hyun's thoughts, Lee Jung-jae burst into laughter once again.
"Kim Tae-hyun. You don't have to be so scared. That guy won't interfere in our fight. More than that, why don't you listen to what I have to say first? It'll be a good offer for you too."
Tae-hyun stopped and nodded.
Because if Lee Jung-jae had skills equivalent to an S-rank player, the combat method would have to change as well.
It was a stalling tactic for that purpose.
"I'm gathering talent. Talent that will support the great Taesan Guild that will be created in the future, with the support of the Taesan Group."
"......"
"Take my hand. Then I promise you a salary, honor, and incentives comparable to the four major guilds. Enhancing your skills will be a piece of cake."
It seemed like an equal contract on the surface, but in reality, it was a one-sided pledge of allegiance.
In a word, it was a well-sounding load of bullshit.
Just in time, a scenario for catching Lee Jung-jae was completed in his head, so Tae-hyun replaced his answer by showing his middle finger.
"I thought it was a decent offer. Are you still not grasping the situation?"
Lee Jung-jae chuckled and shook his head.
Tae-hyun's abilities were at best A-rank.
Clearly, he had abilities that would be welcomed anywhere, but they were not comparable to S-rank physique and skills.
That was why he couldn't help but sneer.
Commoners struggling with their paltry talents.
There was no pleasure like making those guys realize reality.
"Lee Jung-jae. I know what you're thinking, but you've gone too far."
He never intended to listen to the guy who threatened him with his hardworking aunt's family in the first place.
"Of course, you don't need to apologize either. Because I intend to get the price directly."
Tae-hyun, with Devour in mind, drew up his magic power.
"You stupid bastard. You'll think differently once you've been trampled."
As Lee Jung-jae nodded, the man disappeared towards the entrance.
[Skill usage detected. Enhanced Barrier (A) has been used. Entry and exit to the barrier is prohibited.]
A translucent barrier was created in the radius surrounding Tae-hyun, Lee Jung-jae, and the man.
"My grandfather, who built the Taesan Group, said. Even when catching a single rabbit, a tiger does its best."
Whirr.
The skill 'Heart of Fire' was used.
Flames erupted from Lee Jung-jae's body.
The rooftop instantly turned into a sauna.
"Too much talk."
Swish.
From the rooftop covered in flames.
Tae-hyun's body, which had used Stealth, disappeared.
'I can't believe it. He's fighting on par with the Young Master?'
Seol Hoon-do, an A-rank player who was called by the moniker 'Force Magician.'
He was well-known for his skills as much as the moniker he was given for using four enhanced skills.
But he couldn't help but be amazed at the battle that was unfolding before his eyes.
Crack!
It was a fist that was swung right in front of his nose.
Lee Jung-jae, who hurriedly guarded, slid back.
"This bastard!!"
Five minutes since the start of the exchange.
The composure he had just a moment ago was long gone.
Crackle.
As Lee Jung-jae lost his composure and once again spammed his skills, the marble floor began to melt.
While deflecting Tae-hyun's kick that appeared from within the heat haze.
Lee Jung-jae put in a counter.
Crack!!
'It's definitely a physical enhancement skill.'
Otherwise.
There was no way he could have been hit by an S-rank Awakened's fist several times and still be able to move his body.
At first, he thought that the skill that the boy named Kim Tae-hyun Awakened was a magic-type skill.
Because he had defended against all of his skills, so he thought it was around A-rank.
But Tae-hyun's movements were different from what Seol Hoon-do thought.
Close combat through stealth and physical enhancement.
And.
'He's using a paralysis skill too?'
Tae-hyun's fist struck Lee Jung-jae's face as he screamed that his body wouldn't move.
Crack!!
Lee Jung-jae was Taesan Group's masterpiece.
That masterpiece.
Was being destroyed by the fist of someone who was mocked as a loser until recently.
Not only was he a multi-skill Awakened, but there were no gaps in his skill usage.
Moreover, his close combat experience was not inferior to Lee Jung-jae's.
Now it was about time for him to step in.
At that moment.
[Skill usage detected. Affected by Paralysis (C). Partial resistance successful. Speed reduced by 30%.]
'......!!'
A warning as if telling him not to interfere in the battle.
Cold sweat flowed down Seol Hoon-do's back.
'Was he keeping me in check even while facing the Young Master?'
Even though it was a C-rank skill, it ignored some of his resistance and penetrated.
The tingling sensation in his body must have been the effect of the paralysis skill.
Seol Hoon-do inwardly exclaimed.
What if that child named Kim Tae-hyun was his disciple?
If he, a veteran among A-rank players, were to guide him, he might be able to lead him to a higher level.
Just as he was having those thoughts.
"Is that all?"
Tae-hyun asked in a chilling voice. Finally forcing Lee Jung-jae to kneel.
Tae-hyun, who was breathing heavily, turned his gaze towards Lee Jung-jae, who had a humiliated expression.
'In the end, he broke the Young Master's 'First Awakening State'.'
"Heh, Hehehe..."
As Lee Jung-jae, who had been kneeling, chuckled, flames spread out from his body once again.
'Tch.'
He couldn't avoid all the widespread flames.
Tae-hyun shook his hands and extinguished the flames on his body.
He thought he had made him groggy enough.
Even so, the flames emanating from Lee Jung-jae's body continued to burn tirelessly.
"Still troublesome."
Just as Tae-hyun was about to use Devour.
Thud.
Seol Hoon-do, who belatedly approached, struck the back of Lee Jung-jae's neck with his hand like a knife.
Thump.
Lee Jung-jae, who was exhausted, lost consciousness just like that.
"Kim Tae-hyun, was it? Let's stop here."
"I warned you not to interfere, didn't I?"
Seol Hoon-do shook his head while feeling the tingling sensation in his hands and feet.
"For now, he's the Young Master I serve. If something goes wrong, I'll be in trouble too."
"That's none of my business."
The moment Tae-hyun reached out a hand to use Devour.
"500 million!!"
"......?"
"I'll pay 500 million for the Young Master's life. Of course, if you reject even that, then I'll have no choice but to go all out as well."
He didn't think for long.
If 500 million was deposited, he could get his aunt's family out of poverty right now.
However.
"It's far from enough."
Tae-hyun squeezed out all of his remaining magic power and used Devour.
Ding.
[Please select the area to Devour.]
"Eat everything."
Tae-hyun's magic power, filled with murderous intent, covered Lee Jung-jae and Seol Hoon-do.
"Attention. Bow."
"You've worked hard."
As soon as the math teacher left, the classroom became noisy.
"Math in this day and age. Isn't our school too outdated?"
"That's what old people think."
While letting those words slip.
Ah-young, who was organizing her notebook, turned around and looked at the empty seat.
'Kim Tae-hyun.'
He left as soon as the bell rang and still hadn't returned.
'That guy. He must have Awakened.'
Otherwise, there's no way a person could change so much overnight.
At that moment.
Park Mi-jin, who was sitting next to Ah-young, began to tremble.
"Mi-jin, what's wrong?"
Park Mi-jin was a C-rank Awakened.
As expected of a detection skill Awakened.
She was more sensitive to magic power than ordinary children.
"O-on the rooftop..."
"On the rooftop?"
"I feel... an enormous amount of magic power on the rooftop."
The image of Tae-hyun flashed through her head in an instant.
'Could it be...!!'
Ah-young quickly ran out of the classroom.
It only took her a minute to go up all the stairs.
Before her stood the man who was just starting to come down from the rooftop.
"Kim Tae-hyun, you..."
"Ah. Class President."
Tae-hyun, who was exhausted, saw Ah-young and looked relieved.
"This guy. Looks like he rolled down the stairs. I have to take him to the nurse's office quickly."
Tae-hyun passed the unconscious and limp Lee Jung-jae to her.
With such natural actions.
Ah-young couldn't even think of refusing.
-----------------------------------
Episode 16
"Are you alright?"
Taehyun, having returned to the rooftop, asked Seolhoon, who was collapsed.
Unlike Lee Jungjae.
He wasn't completely devoured, but he was groaning with broken arms and legs.
"Kh... cough... Did you save me...?"
"Not for free. I need 1 billion won."
1 billion won.
Double the amount Seolhoon had asked for a moment ago.
Even with inflation, it was an amount most people wouldn't see in their entire lives.
"That's..."
"No refusing."
Taehyun cut off Seolhoon's words and raised his hand.
The crimson magic that had subdued Lee Jungjae and Seolhoon a moment ago flickered.
"Kugh..."
Even for an A-Rank player like Seolhoon, 1 billion won wasn't an easy sum to hand over.
Nevertheless, Taehyun was confident that his offer would be accepted.
If he hadn't stopped the Devour in the middle, Lee Jungjae would have certainly lost his life.
And now.
Seolhoon's life was also practically in Taehyun's hands.
"1 billion won for the life of a third-generation chaebol is a steal. If I add the price of your life, I'm not sure if I'm losing out."
Taehyun said, making an exaggerated gesture.
'Of course. I don't plan to kill him right now.'
Even if he was threatened, killing someone at school wouldn't be tolerated.
Unlike his actions and words.
Unnecessarily drawing the attention of the Inspection Bureau wouldn't be beneficial either.
More than anything.
'Getting the skill and 1 billion won isn't bad.'
He had received sufficient compensation for being threatened by Lee Jungjae.
It was perhaps a more profitable situation than clearing three dungeons.
"The answer?"
"I... I understand. I'll tell my superiors."
"I'll give you one day. It'd be troublesome if you tried to retaliate, so should we make an 'Awakener's Oath'?"
"That's... Haa... I understand."
Seolhoon, who was about to say something, sighed and accepted the offer.
The Awakener's Oath.
It was a promise, like a contract, that Awakeners who wielded magic made using the system.
Violating it would result in a permanent penalty, so players generally avoided making it.
But now, Seolhoon had no choice.
Taehyun's murderous gaze was glaring at him as if refusing any rejection.
Soon after.
Ding.
[Awakener's Oath has been made.]
A message window appeared before Taehyun's eyes.
[1. Awakener Seolhoon (Party B) will transfer 1 billion won to Awakener Kim Taehyun (Party A) within 24 hours. 2. Awakener Seolhoon (Party B) will notify Awakener Kim Taehyun (Party A) of any retaliatory actions taken against them in advance. Failure to do so will result in permanent penalties.]
Permanent penalties.
Penalties that were applied randomly, such as a decrease in physical stats or the deletion of skills.
The penalty varied depending on the individual, but for players for whom every stat was important, it was a fatal penalty that could even lead to retirement.
"Good. Then deposit the money into the account I gave you..."
Taehyun took out a potion from his pocket and threw it.
"This is..."
Seolhoon looked at the small bottle in his hand.
Low-grade healing potion.
It wouldn't completely heal his broken limbs, but it would recover them enough to move to some extent.
"Drink it all and go down. It's not nice to see a grown man like that, you know?"
"...I'll be grateful."
Seolhoon put aside his pride as an A-Rank player and emptied the potion into his mouth.
Wouldn't he have lost if he hadn't underestimated his opponent and had brought plenty of equipment?
No.
Seolhoon admitted that he had misjudged.
Kim Taehyun wasn't a promising talent who was still growing like Lee Jungjae.
'This guy is a monster in growth.'
He felt tired from using his skills and the psychological warfare.
Taehyun took out a fatigue recovery potion and drank it, then opened his status window.
He couldn't help but smile at the newly added skill.
Three hours after Taehyun clashed with Lee Jungjae.
The room of Lee Jungsoo, the president of Taesan Electronics.
The head of the giant company downed a shot of whiskey with ice.
Then he looked down at Seolhoon, who was kneeling before him.
"You and Jungjae were defeated by a mere nineteen-year-old punk. And you agreed to pay 1 billion won as ransom. Is that what you're saying?"
"...That's right."
Seolhoon said, unable to lift his head.
It was a ridiculous situation and condition, even for himself, who was hired as a guard.
That's why he had nothing to say, even if he had ten mouths.
That's why he didn't mention the Awakener's Oath.
He was sure that he would be discarded the moment he spoke.
The man before him had the power and authority to do so.
"My only son is still hospitalized and hasn't regained consciousness yet."
"I'm sorry."
Clang!
Lee Jungsoo slammed the diamond-made glass down roughly.
Seolhoon flinched at the force.
"Interesting. Deposit the money."
"Yes?"
Seolhoon questioned Lee Jungsoo's unexpected words.
He thought a kick would fly.
It was something that Lee Jungsoo would do, given his usual personality.
"He saved my son's life, so that much petty money is okay."
"Ah, I understand. I'll do it right away..."
"But if you've paid the price, then you should get something in return too. Find me a demon that can move right away. Two should be enough, right?"
"P, President... That's...!!"
Lee Jungsoo's words were clear.
It was the moment Seolhoon was about to object.
"Stop. I don't tolerate dogs barking."
The power that made even A-Rank players bow their heads emanated from Lee Jungsoo's body.
'This is... the power of a complete S-Rank.'
Seolhoon groaned under the immense power that felt like a giant wall pressing down on him.
At that time.
Taehyun, who had left school without permission, was in the lobby on the first floor of the Player Association building.
While waiting longer than expected, Taehyun was scanning his status window.
Name: Kim Taehyun
Age: 19
Rank: C
Strength: 30 Stamina: 32 Speed: 31 Magic Power: 65 Charm: 5
Fatigue: 40%
Remaining Magic Power: 12/65
[Skills]
Devour (30%) - Can devour the desired target. Requires Magic Power: 15
Stone Skin (C) - Can strengthen the body. Requires Magic Power: 9
Stealth (C) - Can hide the body. Requires Magic Power: 8
Paralysis (C) - Restricts the target's body. Requires Magic Power: 7
Lord's Heart (C) - Increases the stats of party members. Requires Magic Power: 10
'I devoured an amazing skill.'
The explanation in the status window wasn't detailed, but Taehyun knew all the skills that would appear in 15 years.
'Lord's Heart,' which was manifested in Awakeners of at least C-Rank, was a skill that was treated as rare regardless of Awakening Rank.
That was because there was no one among those with this skill who failed to make a name for themselves in the future.
Taehyun thought that Lee Jungjae's success as the Guild Master of Taesan Guild was due in no small part to the influence of this skill.
'I was hoping for a Charisma stat if possible.'
Taehyun clicked his tongue regretfully as he looked at the newly registered stat in the status window.
Charm stat.
It was an additional stat other than the four basic stats.
It was a stat that was mainly manifested in those in the entertainment or media industry.
'Well, it's better than nothing.'
As he was thinking about how to utilize the Charm stat, a man walked up to Taehyun.
"Did you wait long? I'm sorry. It's a workplace with a severe shortage of staff."
"No, I'm the one who's grateful that you took the time out of your busy schedule."
Taehyun closed his status window and said to Go Taewook.
"Yes, you said you had something to tell me? Something very, very important."
It was what Taehyun had said to the employee at the lobby when he came to Go Taewook without a prior appointment.
That was the only way for Taehyun, an ordinary high school student, to meet an A-Rank player without an appointment.
'Well, this kind of thing would only work on kind-hearted Chief Go, though.'
Taehyun smiled bitterly, knowing how arrogant most players were.
But now he had to focus on the man before him, Go Taewook.
"Chief Go Taewook. I would like you to give me an invitation to take the Player Exam."
"......!!"
At Taehyun's words.
Go Taewook's expression wavered for a moment.
'How does this kid know that...?'
He was distributing invitations on the instructions of the Association President, but everything was being done in strict secrecy.
It wasn't information that an ordinary high school student, not a member of a large organization, would know.
On the other hand, Taehyun was satisfied that he had managed to pique Go Taewook's interest.
Originally, he had planned to apply formally next year when the requirements were met.
Until then, he would clear undiscovered dungeons and raise his stats.
He changed his plans because of the Devour incident with Lee Jungjae.
President Lee Jungsoo, the president of Taesan Electronics and the de facto ruler of Taesan Group.
'That man wouldn't hesitate to hire a killer for revenge.'
If he put his mind to it, he could economically and forcefully destroy his aunt's family.
Taehyun didn't have the capacity to care for them in his current state.
'I need a fence to protect them in my place.'
That's why he came to Go Taewook, even while changing his plans.
If he belonged to the Player Association, his salary would be smaller than that of a large guild, but the state would be responsible for the safety of his family.
It was basic to be given the Association apartment with the best security system and players stationed there.
"Amazing. How did you know that information?"
"I'll tell you when I become a player."
To Taehyun's unwavering words.
Go Taewook subtly exerted pressure.
"...Kim Taehyun. Potential Rank is unknown, and you're still classified as a non-Awakener."
"You've finished your investigation, as expected."
Taehyun smiled brightly.
He proceeded with the investigation just by seeing him once in the auditorium.
If it was the Go Taewook he knew, he thought he would do enough.
"But what am I seeing in you that would make me give you an invitation?"
"There's the surest way. Use a skill on me."
Taehyun gathered his magic power.
He consciously controlled it so that Devour wouldn't activate on the opponent's skill.
Soon after.
Go Taewook, who had been scanning Taehyun's status window using his skill, widened his eyes.
"Stone Skin, Stealth, Paralysis... Lord's Heart?!!"
"The invitation. Can I receive it?"
To Taehyun's confident request.
Go Taewook's expression turned complicated.
-----------------------------------
Episode 17
After meeting with Go Tae-wook, Tae-hyun headed to Geon-guk High School instead of home.
'I should at least tell Teacher Shim Yak-yong properly.'
For Tae-hyun, who had regressed, a diploma was no longer important.
He was actually planning to drop out of school as soon as he got what he wanted.
What changed Tae-hyun's mind was the gaze of his aunt and uncle, who wanted him to graduate even more than he did.
'I guess it's upsetting for my aunt that I'm quitting just a few months before graduation.'
However, he couldn't afford to spend any more time in a school that had no meaning to him anymore.
Not while paying such a hefty opportunity cost.
'You have to kill two birds with one stone.'
Tae-hyun planned to solve all these problems with the documents he was holding.
A little later.
A loud voice erupted from the faculty room.
"Kim Tae-hyun! Do you think this school is a joke?! Is it a playground where you leave when you don't want to attend class and come whenever you feel like it?!"
The vice principal's words, directed at Tae-hyun, didn't stop there.
"Gu Beom-mo, Jo Tae-shik weren't enough, then Bae Hyuk-soo, Kim Myung-gyun, and now even Lee Jung-jae! I've been holding back for Teacher Shim's sake, but I can't just stand by and watch anymore!"
Kim Moo-saeng, the vice principal of Geon-guk High School.
It was an open secret that he was looking after Lee Jung-jae and pocketing money on the side.
Yet, no one could stop him because he was a leading candidate for the next principal, and Lee Jung-jae's line of connections held considerable power.
'Looking at him now, he's a ridiculous man. I can't believe I couldn't even offer a proper rebuttal to someone like him in my past life and just bowed my head.'
Tae-hyun, recalling his miserable past life, clicked his tongue and shook his head.
Kim Moo-saeng, seeing this, erupted in anger once more.
"Hey, you! How dare you be so disrespectful when an adult is talking to you! I am now..."
"Do you have any evidence?"
"Wh-what?!"
"Evidence that I hurt Bae Hyuk-soo, Kim Myung-gyun, and now even Lee Jung-jae. I'm asking if you have any hard evidence, not just circumstantial evidence."
"Wh-what... This...!"
Kim Moo-saeng stammered, seeing Tae-hyun speak so confidently.
While there was plenty of circumstantial evidence, no material evidence had yet been found that Tae-hyun had harmed Bae Hyuk-soo, Kim Myung-gyun, and Lee Jung-jae.
From the start, it was Kim Moo-saeng who had turned a blind eye to the smoking zone, a blind spot for CCTV, at Lee Jung-jae's request.
"I, I..."
As Kim Moo-saeng failed to continue speaking, clearly agitated, Shim Yak-yong, who had been watching from the side, intervened.
"Vice Principal, please calm down. Tae-hyun, you should stop too."
"Hmph! Teacher Shim! Manage your students properly! How can such an unawakened guy be in our great Geon-guk High... Ugh!"
Kim Moo-saeng shouted until the end before leaving.
Shim Yak-yong turned his head and met Tae-hyun's eyes.
'Something has changed.'
He had volunteered to be Tae-hyun's homeroom teacher for three years.
This wasn't the Tae-hyun he knew, the one who always had a rebellious glint in his eyes.
"So, where are you coming from?"
Rumors always spread quickly.
Although it hadn't been many hours, everyone at Geon-guk High knew that Lee Jung-jae had been hospitalized.
And that Tae-hyun was the last person to be with Lee Jung-jae before he went to the hospital.
"I'm coming from the Player Association."
Shim Yak-yong nodded at Tae-hyun's indifferent report.
"I see... so you've awakened."
"Yes."
It had already been two weeks since his regression.
This was the first time Tae-hyun had revealed the fact that he had awakened.
Because once he acquired his player license, it would become public knowledge anyway.
"What's your rank... No, that's not what's important. I was worried that you might have gone down the wrong path."
The world of children is simple, but that's what makes it scary.
If they think someone is different from them, they attack and belittle them for no reason.
Tae-hyun had only awakened at the very end of his high school days, when the bullying was at its peak.
It wouldn't have been strange if he had harbored bad thoughts.
"It's not like that. You've been guiding me all this time, Teacher."
As he said, Tae-hyun was well aware of Shim Yak-yong's concern for him, as he had been his homeroom teacher for three years.
Even recommending Im Ah-young for class president, even though she was reluctant, to protect Tae-hyun.
"Congratulations, Tae-hyun. I mean it."
Shim Yak-yong patted Tae-hyun on the shoulder with a look as if he had put his worries aside.
"Thank you."
"So. You're not thinking of dropping out of school, are you?"
Tae-hyun shook his head at Shim Yak-yong's words.
"I'm not thinking of quitting my studies. But I need your help to do so."
"Tell me. I will help you as much as I can if it's something I can do."
Shim Yak-yong was sincere.
As a D-rank Awakened, he started his teaching career with the skill 'Steadfast Endurance'.
He even developed hair loss while dragging Tae-hyun, who was full of incidents and accidents, to his third year.
His sacrifice had been considerable, so he wanted to take responsibility until the end.
"I'd like to take a month off from school."
Even Shim Yak-yong couldn't help but flinch at those words.
Attendance was something that he couldn't do anything about without a valid reason.
"Hmm... do you have a legitimate reason?"
At Shim Yak-yong's question, Tae-hyun took out the documents from his pocket as if he had been waiting for it.
It was the warm document he had just received from Go Tae-wook.
Shim Yak-yong's face gradually became filled with surprise as he checked the contents.
"Tae-hyun, you..."
Perhaps because of extreme surprise.
A strand of Shim Yak-yong's hair fluttered and fell to the floor.
"I received an invitation to take the player exam."
[The Player Association's Chosen Children. The Future of Shin-Hanguk Rests on Them.]
[Association President Ji Jin-hee's Vision is Teenagers.]
[Unprecedented Talent Discovered in Shin-Hanguk. Is the Target a High School Student?]
[Taesan Electronics' Heir Lee Jung-jae. Known as an S-Rank Awakened. But a Mysterious Hospitalization.]
[Taesan Electronics' President Lee Jung-soo. Appointed as Chairman of the Taesan Cultural Foundation. Son Lee Jung-jae Also Attracting Attention.]
[Geon-guk High School, Known as the Awakened Academy. Honored to be Selected as the School That Received the Most Player Association Invitations.]
[The Alchemist Guild's Ambitious Declaration of War. Soaring Mana Stone Prices.]
"That's what they're saying?"
Jae-young, holding a tablet PC, said to Tae-hyun, who was doing push-ups.
Without answering.
Tae-hyun focused on his last set.
"Hoo... done."
[Strength increased by 1.]
While Tae-hyun was satisfied with the message that appeared in front of him.
Jae-young clicked his tongue, seeing Tae-hyun sweating profusely.
'Has hyung's body always been this good?'
His once slender body now had muscles, and it seemed to have grown a little larger.
"Hwang Jae-young. Did you do your training for today?"
Jae-young, flustered by Tae-hyun's question, avoided his gaze.
"I didn't do it."
"Th-that's... it's too much..."
Jae-young answered as if he was wronged, but Tae-hyun didn't even pretend to listen.
'How is doing 2,000 push-ups and 2,000 squats every day easy?'
Jae-young could only shout it in his mind.
"More than that, hyung. Are you really taking the player exam?"
Jae-young hurriedly changed the subject.
The reason why he came to Tae-hyun's room and read him the latest articles was for that reason.
"I told you, I received an invitation."
He said it as if it was nothing.
But Jae-young wasn't comfortable.
"Maybe... is the reason you suddenly want to become a player because of me?"
Tae-hyun chuckled at Jae-young's cautious question.
Jae-young was still afraid of what would happen if the Backcross guys he used to hang out with retaliated.
It wasn't entirely wrong.
But Tae-hyun didn't want to burden Jae-young.
"It's not like that. I didn't want to go to school anyway, but a good offer came in, so I just didn't refuse it."
The player exam was a month from now.
A week ago.
Tae-hyun visited the principal with Shim Yak-yong and obtained a month of training time.
Unlike the vice principal, who was blinded by his own selfish desires.
The principal, who cared about the future of his students, readily agreed.
Around the same time, a document was sent from the association.
It was a request for the school to support the children who had received invitations from the association.
'It's better to get a player license as soon as possible now that things have turned out this way.'
He remembered the call he had received from Seol Hoon-do a while ago.
That two A-rank Mains would be targeting Tae-hyun.
Of course, he had prepared for it.
Tae-hyun's eyes turned fierce.
"H-hyung?"
Jae-young slumped down at the ominous energy.
At that moment.
Tae-hyun sensed another killing intent.
Near Tae-hyun's house.
"Hyung, the Association guys aren't anything special, are they?"
"Hehehe. I told you. The media created these guys."
Two men, covered in blood, were chatting and giggling.
"If B-rank is this easy, I could even try A-rank? I almost want to compete with that guy Ahn Hyun-soo."
"Let's hunt that guy later."
The man called hyung licked the bloodied dagger and smirked.
Two men.
They were the Mains known as the 'Black and White Brothers'.
They were also powerful figures ranked 890th and 920th in the Shin-Hanguk player rankings, respectively.
"What's so special about that little kid that we're going this far?"
"Don't try to know too much, little brother. Sometimes not knowing is the best medicine."
"It's weird not to be curious when there are two B-rank players assigned to him."
The younger brother, Baek (White), said, stomping on the man who had fallen at his feet.
He had already lost consciousness due to the older brother, Heuk's (Black) surprise attack.
"We just have to do what we're told. How much mana is left?"
"Enough."
"Good. Then let's hide and target..."
Stab.
Heuk's words were cut short.
"Looking for someone?"
"......!!"
"Cough... You..."
As the stealth skill was deactivated.
Tae-hyun, who had plunged a dagger into Heuk's chest, appeared.
Crack.
Thud.
Heuk collapsed without even screaming as the sword twisted.
"You son of a bitch!!!"
Clang!
Two daggers collided in the middle of the night.
"Black and White Brothers. The older brother is practically the brains, right?"
It was Baek, who had lost his mind due to his dying brother.
Tae-hyun chuckled as he parried his dagger.
His wrist tingled as it collided with Baek's dagger, even though he was using Stone Skin.
'Indeed. Named Mains are different.'
They were only promising newcomers in the Main world.
The Black and White Brothers would become big shots who could even assassinate S-rank players in the distant future.
Both brothers were super elites who had awakened 'Stealth' and 'Physical Enhancement'.
'If they hadn't met me, that's what would have happened.'
He didn't sympathize.
At least when it came to Mains, even cheap sympathy was a waste.
"Shall we have a meal?"
Just like he did with Han Sang-do.
Tae-hyun, who had activated Gluttony, wore a bitter smile.
----------------------------------
Episode 18
Taehyun looked down at Baek, who had fainted from not being able to withstand the power of Devour, and Heuk, who was already dead.
The Heukbaek Brothers.
In his past life, they were notorious A-rank named demons, but in the present, they lacked everything compared to their former glory.
Skill, meticulousness, and the ability to recognize opponents stronger than themselves.
Like the current Ahn Hyun-soo, they were at the level of rookies in the demon world.
'Haven't they realized the gap yet?'
Even if he wasn't at his peak.
Taehyun had easily subdued Seol Hoon-do, a veteran A-rank player.
Unless ambushed, he must have known that the current Heukbaek Brothers were no match for him.
Yet, the fact that he hired these guys meant.
'He must have given them a chance. Well, that old man didn't have a bad image.'
Taehyun nodded, recalling Seol Hoon-do's reputation.
In his past life, he was loyal to the Taesan Guild while also taking full responsibility for injustices.
"Not bad."
The corners of his lips lifted involuntarily.
He thought the Awakened's Covenant might be more useful than expected.
But that wasn't the important thing right now.
"Devour."
Tring.
[Skill use is impossible due to overload. Physical ability is insufficient.]
An unwelcome message appeared when he used the skill.
Taehyun frowned.
Overload and physical ability.
The skill still wasn't activating for two reasons.
Taehyun sighed softly and drank the fatigue potion and mana potion he had brought in one go.
And once again.
He used the skill.
[Skill use is impossible due to overload. Physical ability is insufficient.]
The same message repeated.
'I knew it was going too easy.'
Many things had happened in less than a month since his regression.
He obtained the skill Devour, experienced a gate break, conquered undiscovered dungeons, and received an invitation to the player test.
In proportion to the events, he devoured various skills, and Taehyun was able to grow rapidly.
As a result.
He was only C-rank right now, but.
He had gained enough power to compete with A-rank players or demons.
Even at the level of top rankers.
In just a few more months, he would be S-rank.
No, he was confident that he wouldn't lose even against the SS-rank that hadn't yet appeared.
Maybe even a rank beyond SS.
He might become the first SSS-rank player.
'But.'
Taehyun frowned again, looking at the message in front of him.
[Skill use is impossible due to overload. Physical ability is insufficient.]
[Skill use is impossible due to overload. Physical ability is insufficient.]
No matter how much he tried to activate Devour, the same message appeared.
"Stone Skin."
"Stealth."
"Paralysis."
"Lord's... ah, this one is fine."
There were no problems activating other skills except for the Lord's Heart, which he couldn't check right now.
Taehyun deactivated the skills and opened his status window.
Name: Kim Taehyun
Age: 19
Rank: C
Strength: 31 Stamina: 33 Speed: 32 Mana: 65 Charm: 5
Fatigue: 30%
Remaining Mana: 22/65
[Skills]
Devour (X) - Can devour desired targets. Demonic Energy: 15
Stone Skin (C) - Can strengthen the body. Demonic Energy: 9
Stealth (C) - Can hide the body. Demonic Energy: 8
Paralysis (C) - Restricts the target's body. Demonic Energy: 7
Lord's Heart (C) - Increases party members' stats. Demonic Energy: 10
Devour, which had been accumulating experience well, was disabled.
'Tch. Is this the limit for now?'
Lack of physical ability.
After a few attempts, it didn't take long to understand what the message meant.
In the first place, apart from rank, ordinary Awakeners could only possess one skill.
Only talented players called geniuses awakened multiple skills, and even then, most of the non-main skills were classified as low-level skills.
That's why innate talent was important in the player world.
Innate body. Innate rank. Innate stats. Innate skills.
Skills put a considerable burden on the body just by awakening them.
The reason why the skill wasn't registered even after devouring Baek might be because of that.
'No. Can't even be sure about this either.'
Taehyun currently possessed five skills: 'Devour', 'Stone Skin', 'Stealth', 'Paralysis', and 'Lord's Heart'.
Devour was a skill with an unknown end, and the others were mid-tier C-rank skills.
'C-rank, huh.'
Taehyun had far higher stats than ordinary C-rank Awakeners.
But in the first place, it was absurd to have five skills with a body that was about B-rank.
In other words, to possess more skills than this, he had to raise his awakening rank or train.
The only way was to increase his physical stats.
The only thing Taehyun could do right now, with Devour sealed, was the latter.
Once he finished assessing the situation, he finally noticed his surroundings.
He saw two men who had been attacked by the Heukbaek Brothers before Taehyun arrived.
They were players who had been guarding Taehyun's surroundings on Go Tae-wook's orders.
The position of a player, which he had wanted to become in the past.
He was newly aware of their lives, which were more closely tied to death than anyone else.
"May you rest in peace."
Taehyun quietly bowed to them.
"I'll take care of this, so you can go in now."
Under the moonlight.
Go Tae-wook said with a dark expression.
His gaze was fixed on the two players who had already passed away.
"I'm sorry."
Any more words would be an insult.
He bowed to the players who had been dispatched with Go Tae-wook. Then, he went straight home.
Two other players from the association, who were watching him leave, raised their voices.
"Those Heukbaek Brothers, those bastards dare."
Crack.
Mana leaked from his body, enraged by the death of his colleague.
Another man put his hand on his shoulder.
"Calm down. These friends were prepared to give their lives anyway."
"Damn it... Still..."
"Deputy Kim is right. Calm down, Deputy Park."
Only then did Go Tae-wook, who had taken his gaze off his subordinate, look at Baek, who was unable to move because he was hit by a binding skill.
His eyes, which usually didn't reveal his emotions, sharpened in an instant.
Baek, the younger brother of the Heukbaek Brothers, who had recently been building a reputation as demons.
The fact that he was alive was fortunate for him, both officially and privately.
"At least one of them is alive. Are you going to let him die comfortably like this?"
Gulp.
Deputy Kim and Deputy Park swallowed hard.
Just as not all high-ranking Awakeners were the same, the use of skills varied depending on the user.
Go Tae-wook, who was called a precision machine through the skill 'Observer's Eye'.
His other nickname was Interrogator.
It was an honorary title given to him for driving targets to the brink of death through his skill and then repeatedly recovering them, extracting countless information in the process.
'To think he got caught by Chief Go, that guy won't die easily.'
'He'll get a taste of hell.'
The two deputies trembled simultaneously, recalling the previous interrogation process.
"By the way, did that child really catch the Heukbaek Brothers?"
"That kid Kim Taehyun, what kind of skill did he awaken?"
Players were placed around Kim Taehyun to protect the promising prospect.
The two deputies, who only knew that much, asked as they looked at Heuk's cold corpse.
However, Go Tae-wook simply shook his head.
"I'm not sure either."
"Huh?"
Deputy Kim asked back, and Deputy Park muttered, "The chief scouted him, right?"
The fact that he didn't know even though he had scouted him.
It was a statement that someone who knew what kind of person Go Tae-wook was could never understand.
But Go Tae-wook was serious.
Taehyun's potential exceeded his expectations.
It was enough to make him speechless.
"Undiscovered dungeons... If these keep appearing, I won't have anything to say even if I'm impeached."
Ji Jin-hee frowned as he looked at the data Yoo Ah-young had given him.
Even though the country had been unified and the land had increased.
Compared to other countries, the New Korean Republic could not be said to have a large area.
Undiscovered dungeons in such a place. If any damage occurred, Ji Jin-hee, the association president, would have to take full responsibility.
"They will definitely keep being discovered. Everything related to the Abyss has been proceeding in this way until now."
Ji Jin-hee sighed at Yoo Ah-young's confident words.
Night Walker, which was considered the best in the New Korean Republic for information gathering and analysis.
It was a harsh reality to ignore what the guild leader said.
"I'm already being torn apart for handing out invitations to teenagers, the reporters are just going to be excited."
"That's why I was wondering if we should take the initiative this time?"
"Take the initiative? We'll have to conquer the dungeon that was discovered this time..."
Yoo Ah-young shook her head at Ji Jin-hee's simple handling of things.
"The association president is the same as ever."
"You're making this old man feel ashamed. If you have any insights, tell me."
Yoo Ah-young gave a bitter smile as Ji Jin-hee freely asked for help.
Ji Jin-hee, the president of the New Korean Republic Player Association.
The countless achievements he had made as an S-rank player belonging to the association.
His honest and upright personality, which supported his skills, naturally placed him in the position of association president.
The problem was that the position required politics and media play.
Then, Yoo Ah-young, the guild leader of Night Walker, extended her hand.
She, who had received help from Ji Jin-hee in her childhood, volunteered to be his eyes, ears, hands, and feet.
Information about the Abyss, the movements of demons, the awakening of new skills, etc.
She gave information that would be insufficient even if a huge amount of money was charged to Ji Jin-hee for free.
Even Chief Go Tae-wook, who was difficult to deal with, recognized the relationship.
Ji Jin-hee's blind trust in Yoo Ah-young was not without reason.
"That's not it. The player test that will be held this time. Let's use this place as the venue."
Yoo Ah-young told him the plan that she had already conceived in her head.
"A double-edged sword."
"There are a lot of complaints about handing out invitations to children who aren't even adults yet, but let's show them this time. What kind of power those children have. The media will probably like it."
Yoo Ah-young said with a confident voice, recalling the attributes of the media.
"Okay. I'll follow the plan."
Ji Jin-hee, who had made a decision without difficulty, immediately began to establish a detailed plan.
"Speaking of which, your younger sibling received an invitation for this player test, right? Blood is thicker than water, I guess."
Ji Jin-hee smiled bitterly, recalling the little child who used to be shy when he saw him in the past.
"If 'that family' can't do 'that much', they'll have to be kicked out of the family register."
Ji Jin-hee laughed heartily as he looked at Yoo Ah-young, who was speaking maliciously.
"More than that, I heard something interesting too? There's a child that Chief Go Tae-wook contacted directly."
"Ah, are you talking about student Kim Taehyun?"
"Kim Taehyun."
Yoo Ah-young recited the name.
Unlike her words, she had been tracking all of his actions for the past month.
"He's an interesting child."
There was no need to hide her sincerity.
-------------------------------
Episode 19
Two days later, weekend.
Taehyun visited the Blackhead Training Center with Jaeyoung.
Jaeyoung's jaw dropped at the massive exterior of the building.
"H-Hyung... are you really going to go here?"
"Why else would we come?"
"M-Money? It looks super expensive."
Taehyun chuckled.
It was a natural concern, but Taehyun smiled lightly and entered the building.
The interior was exactly as he remembered.
'The interior hasn't changed at all.'
The staff at the counter were new faces.
Taehyun approached a young woman in uniform.
"Welcome... Oh my. What brings you here?"
The woman, who was about to greet them instinctively, tilted her head, looking at Taehyun and Jaeyoung.
The Blackhead Training Center was frequented by those who were physically outstanding among the Awakened.
It was not a place where anyone would expect to see such young kids, so she mistook them for being lost.
"We're here to register. Two people."
Taehyun answered and immediately began filling out the membership application.
"Yes, yes. That's right. We're here to register."
Jaeyoung, who had been staring blankly, belatedly followed Taehyun and began filling out the paperwork.
'What's up with these guys?'
Their attitude was natural, confident, and seamless.
The woman, momentarily flustered, regained her composure only after the membership applications were fully completed.
"Ah... ahem... Guys, this isn't like the gym you're thinking of."
"We know. We did our research beforehand."
Was there anyone in Shin-Hanguk who didn't know about the Blackhead Training Center?
It wasn't for nothing that Jaeyoung, who had once been caught up in school bullying, was intimidated just by looking at the building.
This place was that special to the Awakened.
"O-Oh, really? Would you like to check the price list first?"
The woman forced a smile and handed over a training center brochure.
She thought they would back down once they saw the exorbitant prices.
As expected.
"H-Hyung..."
Jaeyoung gasped in surprise at the registration fee.
The woman, with a "I knew it" expression, was about to turn them away when.
"We'll register for one month, both of us. In full."
Taehyun handed over the SVIP card he received from the Alchemist.
It was then that the woman sensed that Taehyun was different from ordinary kids and took the card.
'SVIP? Did Alchemist have such a tier? It would be troublesome if a chaebol kid caused trouble after registering...'.
Shin-Hanguk was a place where you could do anything with money.
But this Blackhead Training Center was one of the few areas where that didn't work.
Without skills, even a second-generation chaebol, no, even a first-generation chaebol would be humiliated.
'I need to talk to the manager about this later.'
She was worried that there might be false rumors if she discriminated against them just because they were young.
Just as the woman was about to process the payment.
"Hey, hold on."
A man approached.
He was so large that his shadow was cast over Taehyun and Jaeyoung even though he was standing behind them.
"What is it?"
Taehyun looked up at the man, who appeared to be more than a dozen years older than him, and asked.
But the man's gaze was directed at the woman.
"Yura, these guys aren't new members, are they?"
"Well..."
When the woman called Yura hesitated, Taehyun snatched the card from her hand.
And.
"Is there a problem?"
He asked the man with a smile.
"Huh! Kid, are you really thinking of registering here? You didn't bring your mom's card by mistake, did you?"
At those words, the group that came to the center with him snickered.
Since all of them were members of the Blackhead Training Center, they boasted tremendous physiques.
Confidence always rises when in a group.
The man, feeling more confident, slightly pushed Taehyun and Jaeyoung aside and made eye contact with the woman.
"Yura, I know the center needs to operate like a business, but I think it's going too far to accept even these 'babies'."
"That's going too far, Choi Kangcheol. There's no reason for the center to reject new customers."
There was a subtle prickliness in her voice as she said that.
"Hey, what's going on?"
"Looks like Choi Kangcheol is hitting on Yura again?"
"That's not it. Looks like those kids are throwing a tantrum about registering."
"Tsk tsk. Either way, someone's going to get carried out again."
Taehyun was quickly able to understand the situation amid the buzzing reactions.
It was a rite of passage he had gone through at least once in the past.
"Noona. Is the registration finished? I'll redo the payment when this uncle isn't around."
It was a waste of time to be caught by such a muscle-brain without getting anything.
Taehyun winked at Jaeyoung and started walking towards the training room.
No, just as he was about to move.
"Stoooop! Tsk tsk!! Can't you just walk away when an adult is talking?"
Choi Kangcheol blocked Taehyun and Jaeyoung's path.
It was a swift movement that didn't match his huge body.
"Our sentimental little kid. Looks like you have some money, but this isn't a place for kids to show off. How about going home and eating more of your mom's cooking?"
Contrary to his words, Choi Kangcheol's muscles expanded rapidly.
It was an overwhelming presence that would make most adults flinch.
"Whew~ Kangcheol! Aren't you scaring our young masters too much?"
"Haha! They're the future dreamers. Don't intimidate them too much!!"
"H-Hyung..."
Jaeyoung shrank back once more in the rapidly changing atmosphere.
This was because everyone who was laughing at them had physiques that wouldn't be out of place in a bodybuilding competition.
Only Taehyun was observing the surroundings with an indifferent expression.
'Choi Kangcheol, huh. It's a name I'm hearing for the first time... Is he an active porter?'
Guild marks that porters engrave like medals.
Taehyun made a reasonable guess as he looked at the large tattoo on the man's forearm.
At the same time.
An interesting idea came to mind.
"Haha. Did this kid forget how to talk? 'Hyung' is giving you advice because he cares about you. When I'm saying it nicely..."
"Boomer."
"Wh-What?"
"The way you're acting is totally boomer-like, isn't it?"
"Ha! This damn brat?"
It wasn't as if Choi Kangcheol didn't know that Taehyun was provoking him.
Even so, his emotions were surging because he was in front of the woman he was trying to impress.
The moment Choi Kangcheol, enraged, unconsciously tried to use a skill.
Taehyun opened his mouth with an innocent expression.
"Hey, mister. How about making a bet with me? If I win, I'll call you 'hyung'."
Contrary to Choi Kangcheol's face, which was turning red as if it would explode, the corners of Taehyun's lips wouldn't go down.
Porter-exclusive training equipment.
People gathered in front of the Virtual Porter were buzzing.
Interest breeds more interest.
People continued to gather in front of the already crowded machine.
"Hey. What's going on?"
"Did a ranker come?"
"That's not it."
"I heard that Choi Kangcheol from the Rex Guild is doing Virtual Porter with a kid. And at B-grade difficulty."
"What?!"
"That kid. I don't think he's in his right mind."
"What are the rules?"
"Surprisingly, it's the non-Awakened rule."
"Crazy!! Shouldn't we stop him right away?"
"Yeah, C-grade and up doesn't just end with exhaustion, does it?"
"How would I know? It's just fun."
"You guys are crazy."
Who was Choi Kangcheol?
He was a man who had been an active porter in the Rex Guild, which specializes in porter dispatch, for as long as two years.
But Virtual Porter with a kid who hadn't even received proper training?
It was an excessive act for a rite of passage or initiation.
As if aware of such an atmosphere, Choi Kangcheol shouted loudly.
"Hey everyone!! I think you all think I'm bullying this kid, but think about it!! Is our center a place where 'anyone' can register just because they have money?!!"
With that one shout, the condemning gazes towards Choi Kangcheol subsided.
Everyone said that, but there was nothing as fun as watching a fight.
Although there were differences in degree, it was a sight that could be seen quite easily in the Blackhead Training Center.
And Taehyun as well.
He was one of the people who knew this atmosphere better than anyone else.
"You talk too much. I think we can start now."
Taehyun said casually, looking at the Virtual Porter device, which had finished setting the difficulty.
"Hyung..."
"Kuhahaha. Well, you have to have this much vigor for me to be less embarrassed."
"You're going to keep your promise, right? That if I win, you'll pay for a year of registration for me and my brother here."
"Of course! Everyone heard it, right? If I lose to this little brat, I'll pay 200 million won for their one year of registration!!"
Laughter and worry mixed together erupted from here and there.
But what was important to Taehyun was that he had caught a sucker for the registration fee.
"Then, let's begin."
Taehyun got on the Virtual Porter with familiar movements.
It didn't take long for the match to be decided.
Virtual Porter.
A state-of-the-art virtual reality training device that requires you to carry a certain amount of weight and reach your destination while avoiding monsters that appear.
The difficulty was divided according to how much weight you were carrying, how long it took, and the grade of the monsters that appeared.
The artificial intelligence implementation was evaluated as being so good that even active porters found the C-grade difficulty challenging.
So, it was a machine that any active porter working in the Abyss would have played at least once.
The difficulty that Taehyun and Choi Kangcheol set was B-grade.
The average clear time for the B-grade difficulty of Virtual Porter was 1 hour and 30 minutes, but Choi Kangcheol predicted that this game would be over in less than 10 minutes.
Even though it was virtual, it was a virtual reality system that was the same as reality.
Under the non-Awakened rule, he was just a high school student, not an active porter.
It was common sense to think that he wouldn't be able to survive in the Abyss for more than 10 minutes.
But that thought was shattered after 10 minutes passed, 30 minutes passed, and 1 hour passed.
1 hour 35 minutes 47 seconds.
"Crazy..."
"I can't believe it."
"Isn't this the youngest record?"
The reactions of the people who watched Taehyun's movements and results displayed on the screen were all the same.
On the contrary, Taehyun's expression, as he came down from the machine, wasn't very good.
'My senses are alive, but my body has become dull.'
It was the non-Awakened rule that he was confident in.
If it was his body from before his regression, it was a level he could definitely complete within 50 minutes.
That was why he couldn't be easily satisfied, regardless of the reactions of those around him.
Many people ridiculed him as a loser, but Taehyun had a talent as a porter.
The center suddenly became noisy.
"Kid!! Do you have any thoughts of joining our guild?"
"Hey! Your guild is small to medium size. You have to be one of the top 4 guilds..."
"I'm in charge of recruitment for the top 4 guilds. Here's my business card..."
Scout offers came from everywhere, but Taehyun shook his head.
This life, after his regression.
His goal was not to be a porter, but a player. And at the very top.
So he had no intention of spending any more time on useless things.
A little later.
Choi Kangcheol, who cleared it belatedly, came down from the machine drenched in sweat.
1 hour 42 minutes 58 seconds.
His expression was a mixture of confusion and shame.
Taehyun didn't care.
"Mister. You didn't forget the bet, did you?"
Taehyun smiled wickedly and stabbed him with a dagger.
'Unless I can use Voracity, I have to get my form up to the maximum here.'
One month left until the player test.
Taehyun's training was just beginning.
---------------------------------
Episode 20
Player Qualification Test.
Or Player License Test.
The test content changes every year.
But the location is consistently in a building on the outskirts of Seoul.
This was for the safety of the examinees who would suffer all sorts of hardships for a week.
The test center was equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities and security equipment, and top players were stationed to prepare for any emergencies.
"The number of participants this year is no joke."
A man with experience at a small magazine company, commonly known as Reporter Kim, muttered as he watched the examinees entering the test center with enthusiastic cheers.
Due to tight security, no one outside can know what happens in the test center or who passes until the test is over.
Therefore, today, at this moment, when examinees from all over the country gather to take the test.
Numerous reporters were stationed in front of the test center, capturing the images of the examinees.
A place that makes headlines every year.
The so-called Player Civil Service Exam Market.
The name "Civil Service Exam" was given because many aspirants devote their youth to obtaining the license.
Including repeat examinees, the number was close to ten thousand this year.
"The number of examinees is no joke."
"Yo~ Reporter Kim. You were here early."
"Reporter Park. Did you get any good photos?"
Reporter Kim asked, and Reporter Park, who used to be a colleague but moved to a major media company, grinned.
"Hehe. I'm just coming back from an interview with examinee Shin Yun-bok."
"What?! H-How?"
Reporter Kim, who hadn't had any significant achievements in the past three hours, asked in disbelief.
Shin Yun-bok, an S-grade Awakened from Busan High School.
He had been in the news with other S-grade Awakened for a month.
At the same time, due to the activation of the Association's personal protection program, reporters from small magazine companies like Reporter Kim found it difficult to approach him.
"Turns out my boss has connections. It's an exclusive interview, so I can't reveal the contents yet. Haha."
Reporter Park laughed awkwardly, but Reporter Kim knew that it was mixed with boasting about his company and position.
'Damn it. If only I had awakened a better skill.'
He, who awakened the E-grade skill 'Typing,' had repeatedly failed to get a job at a major media company.
With so many C-grade and B-grade skill Awakened with good education and skills, there was no reason to hire an E-grade skill Awakened.
Reporter Kim felt a sense of skepticism but didn't show it outwardly.
"Anyway, the competition will be fierce this year. There are ten S-grade Awakened."
"The abilities of kids these days are trending towards being higher than in our time. And rumor has it that the location of the 3rd test has been changed?"
"I wonder what method Association President Ji Jin-hee will use to push the examinees this time."
Reporter Kim was an ardent follower of Ji Jin-hee, the president of the Player Association of Shin Korea.
A man who distanced himself from politics, which was focused on the fight for power, and moved solely for the security of Shin Korea.
The heroic deeds he showed during his active duty were so great that he was even evaluated as the reincarnation of Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
But.
"Still, our country still has a long way to go. The fact is that we have fewer players than Japan, which we despise so much."
The Shin Korea Player Test, which values the quality of players over quantity and has an unusually high level of difficulty compared to other countries.
Therefore, there were many people who did not like the inflexible work of Association President Ji Jin-hee.
Reporter Park was also one of those types.
Then, with a buzzing sound, the reporters' gazes turned to one place.
"It's A-grade Awakened Lee Gil-san!!"
"S-grade Awakened Lim Ah-young is also coming in!!"
"Guards, please step aside!! Just one photo!!"
"Oops, I'll be on my way."
Reporter Park said that and squeezed through the reporters.
Reporter Kim tried to follow suit, but he was one step late, and Association employees blocked him.
Click. Click. Click. Click.
In an instant, the sound of shutters filled the area.
'A-Ah, no….'
Reporter Kim tried to press the shutter button hard, but there was no way a decent photo would come out from this distance.
Without any significant achievements, the line of examinees quickly stopped.
"Let's withdraw. It seems like all the named examinees have gone in."
"How about a drink of makgeolli somewhere?"
"Sounds good~ Hahaha."
As they packed up their articles and left, Reporter Kim was the only one left on the scene.
'Damn… Can I keep being a reporter?'
While he was thinking that in front of the empty test center, a man walked from afar.
He was wearing jeans and a gray hoodie, but it was not difficult to tell that he had a youthful face.
He was momentarily puzzled by the attire that did not look like a player test examinee.
The man quickly passed by Reporter Kim.
"E-Excuse me, student…!!"
"Are you talking to me?"
"A-Are you by any chance a player test examinee?"
At Reporter Kim's question, the man nodded indifferently.
'This kid… isn't nervous?'
Reporter Kim's intuition, which had been feeling skeptical about his job, started to flash for the first time in a while.
"If you don't mind, how about an interview with me? A-Ah, I'm Kim from SY Economics…."
"I'm sorry. I don't have much time left."
Reporter Kim shouted at the man who was trying to ignore him and pass by.
"3 minutes!! It'll only take 3 minutes!! I promise I won't ask any questions that will harm you!! I won't even record!!"
With that, Reporter Kim used the skill Typing.
The E-grade skill Typing, which allows him to quickly write down what the other person is saying.
It is usually treated as a trivial skill, but at this moment, it was more useful than any other skill.
The man who checked the wave of magic power smiled faintly.
"Okay. Now there are 2 minutes and 50 seconds left. Let's do it."
It was Taehyun's first short but intense interview.
"Examinee Kim Taehyun. 1 minute before the start of the test. This way."
Taehyun, who entered the test center, moved to a huge coliseum following the guide of the supervisor.
Examinees who had already arrived were scattered here and there.
'I'm glad I came late.'
Taehyun smiled as he recalled the interview a little while ago.
He knew that there were reporters at the entrance.
He also knew that the media would make up words to their liking for the sake of profit.
But the eyes of the person named Reporter Kim a little while ago did not seem like someone who would carelessly write articles.
That's why he agreed to the interview.
'I should start building an image.'
Taehyun's goal was to become the best player in the world, beyond Shin Korea.
To do that, he needed the help of a large guild or association to some extent.
They were the only ones who had the best equipment or items piled up.
'There might be an item to release the seal of Predation there.'
Thinking of Predation, which he still couldn't release the seal, Taehyun opened the status window.
Name: Kim Taehyun
Age: 19
Grade: C
Strength: 36 Stamina: 36 Speed: 35 Magic: 65 Charm: 5
Fatigue: 4%
Remaining Magic: 65/65
[Skills]
Predation (X) - Can prey on the desired target. Magic Power Required: 15
Stone Skin (C) - Can strengthen the body. Magic Power Required: 9
Stealth (C) - Can hide the body. Magic Power Required: 8
Paralysis (C) - Restricts the body of the target. Magic Power Required: 7
Lord's Heart (C) - Increases the stats of party members. Magic Power Required: 10
Despite the hard training for a month, he could not release the seal of Predation.
Instead, the stats of Strength, Stamina, and Speed had slightly increased.
It was a small difference compared to when the grade went up.
From the beginning, it was a special case to raise the grade and increase the body stats.
As a result, Taehyun's body boasted firm muscles that could not be compared to a month ago.
At that time.
"Kim Taehyun."
Lim Ah-young approached Taehyun, who was looking at the status window.
"It's been a while, Class President."
Taehyun said, glancing at her who was wearing a blue training suit.
On the other hand, there was bewilderment in Lim Ah-young's eyes as she looked at Taehyun's body.
"You… that body…."
"I did some training."
'Is that a little?'
The moment Ah-young tried to ask back.
[Welcome!! Young people who will bear the future of Shin Korea!!]
The coliseum, which can comfortably accommodate even close to ten thousand people.
The resounding voice echoed throughout the coliseum.
[The first test is to steal the test ID. There will be a test ID attached to each chest. Collect five of them, including your own. The test is failed from the moment your own test ID is taken. The time limit is one hour. Only one thousand people will be selected out of the nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-five applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Any means and methods are fine as long as it is not murder. Then, the first test begins!!!]
"What?"
"Suddenly?"
"Is it really starting?"
Stealing the test ID.
The time limit is one hour.
Nearly ten thousand applicants began to buzz at the sudden start of the test.
As some quick-witted applicants used skills, screams echoed from all directions.
Whoosh.
Lim Ah-young's skill 'Ice Age' was activated, and a huge ice froze the coliseum.
Taehyun, who had predicted all of this situation, stepped back and used 'Stealth'.
Swish.
'Lim Ah-young. Was she seriously thinking of dropping everyone.'
Even though the S-grade skill was unfolding in front of him.
Taehyun was not flustered.
"Amazing. As expected of an S-grade Awakened."
The supervisor's seat was prepared behind the coliseum.
Players selected as supervisors were watching the first test there.
It was truly a melee.
And what was particularly noticeable in that melee was the skills of the S-grade Awakened.
The number of test failures was rapidly increasing due to the overwhelming skills.
"At this rate, we won't even need an hour."
"As expected, the rumors that she is the same bloodline as Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young seem to be true. To already have that level of control in her teens…."
"Oh~ Shin Yun-bok's control is also quite good. As expected, his name is worth something."
"Lee Gil-san is also passing the test."
Everyone was admiring the skills of the S-grade or A-grade applicants.
"What is Chief Go looking at?"
The examiner asked, turning his head to where Go Tae-wook's gaze was directed.
Camera number 927.
The installed camera was equipped with a detection function at the A-grade level.
The camera was showing Taehyun, who had used the Stealth skill, acquiring his second test ID through a surprise attack.
"Hmm… Stealth. It's a good skill, but at a time like now when top-level skills are rampant…."
"It's distracting to concentrate. Be quiet."
The surroundings became quiet in an instant at Go Tae-wook's cold words.
But.
Go Tae-wook was only focused on Taehyun, who was acquiring his third test ID, as if he had no interest in the surrounding reactions.
Taehyun acquiring his fourth test ID in the coliseum where top-level skills were rampant.
His face was smiling.
As if the test was a fun game.
National-level players who had each made a mark in history in their own way.
The appearance they showed in the player test was often overlapped with the current Taehyun.
Along with the achievements Taehyun would build in the future.
'It seems like I've been caught by an amazing kid.'
Go Tae-wook had goosebumps on his back.
Comments
Post a Comment