51
“So, you read my mana.”
Kwak Jin-ho nodded.
Mana is not just a simple collection of energy. It contains will. Reading the will within the mana allowed for some degree of predicting the opponent’s future actions.
Of course, one could hide or deceive the will within mana, but pure warriors like Kwak Jin-ho didn’t resort to such tricks. He was strong enough without relying on such things.
However, discerning the will within the mana was a highly complex task due to its subtle nuances.
It was something that one couldn’t distinguish without exceptional senses. And Yehaesol could read it. That alone was remarkable, but Yehaesol’s subsequent actions pleased Kwak Jin-ho even more.
“He’s not just someone relying solely on talent.”
Kwak Jin-ho chuckled.
More than Yehaesol’s response, he was much more pleased with his attitude.
Those who only relied on talent would often waver when faced with his attacks, showing signs of fear.
But Yehaesol was different.
Even when facing an attack, he didn’t feel fear and didn’t bat an eye.
The unwavering mentality that didn’t succumb to fear in any situation was, in Kwak Jin-ho’s belief, of far greater value than talent.
That was what Kwak Jin-ho believed to be the ‘heart of a warrior.’ And Yehaesol embodied that heart of a warrior.
“Just need to work on strengthening the body, that’s all.”
The robust physique was considered the greatest virtue of a giant, according to Kwak Jin-ho’s opinion.
***
Kwak Jin-ho, scratching his nape, spoke up.
“Yi Hae-sol, don’t you plan on joining the Health Club?”
“No, I don’t.”
“I won’t even charge you the monthly fee. I’ll personally coach you.”
“That’s alright.”
“Really? What a shame. Let me know whenever. Your spot will always be kept vacant.”
With a click, Kwak Jin-ho gestured towards the seat at the table.
“Sit and wait.”
With a passing comment of “You’re approved,” Kwak Jin-ho took the coin from me and left.
“But you came too early, so the next candidate won’t arrive for at least 3 hours. If you want, you can leave and come back by 1 o’clock.”
However, Kwak Jin-ho’s words were abruptly cut off.
Click.
The door swung open menacingly before the conversation could finish, as the next successful candidate entered.
“Huh, is the clock really broken?”
Kwak Jin-ho chuckled incredulously, looking at the clock pointing to 10 AM.
“Here I am.”
The protagonist who entered after opening the door was none other than Cheon Woo-jin. Sitting across from Kwak Jin-ho, Cheon Woo-jin handed over the coin.
I rolled my eyes at his lightning-fast speed.
“You’re here early.”
“It doesn’t seem like it’s your place to say.”
“It’s mine, because I was up next.”
I weakly retorted to Cheon Woo-jin’s surprised remark, but honestly, I was the one more surprised.
I used a cheat called stamina to arrive early, but Cheon Woo-jin had beaten me fair and square with his pure talent.
He couldn’t be anything but a monster. And there were not one but two monsters.
Click.
Following Cheon Woo-jin, Sang-do entered the room leisurely.
“Both of you were here first?”
I glanced nervously at Han Se-yeon, who had wide eyes.
What are these people up to, coming in similarly to me, who used stamina?
Well, it was inevitable that the birth of an uncontrollable chicken was foreseen, given that even the Master of High-Level Martial Arts, Morudo, had signed a contract with someone with talent to the extreme like Cheon Woo-jin. And, of course, Cheon Woo-jin.
Anyway.
“Can you move over a bit?”
“Can’t I sit here?”
Although the sofa was spacious, Han Se-yeon sat close to me, looking puzzled with wide eyes.
“It’s not that you can’t sit here, but…”
“You mean I can?”
“Do as you please.”
I shook my head at Han Se-yeon’s nonchalant attitude.
“But didn’t the two of you meet on the way here?”
“There are four entrances. I came through the northern gate.”
“I used the southern gate.”
I nodded at their conversation.
The Hall of Giants had entrances in all four directions, so it wasn’t strange not to run into each other.
“Two people left.”
Han Seyeon subtly asked at my muttering.
“Who do you think will come?”
“I’m not sure.”
I was curious too.
Second period, 【Recognition of the Instructor】, wasn’t just about submitting the coin.
First come, first served (3/5).
From the moment five members were filled in, the true test began.
And, who those members would be, even I couldn’t predict.
Just like in the game, the member composition was randomly arranged depending on the situation.
Especially now, with me as a variable thrown in, things could change even more. Well, it’s just a rough guess.
“But, Instructor.”
“What is it?”
“Earlier, was that just for me?”
You know, the windmill punch.
When I gestured swinging my arm, Kwak Jinho understood.
“Oh, that.”
“Yes, that.”
You should do it to them too.
It adds to the fun of watching.
Seeing my anticipation, Kwak Jinho chuckled.
“That wasn’t a test.”
“······?”
“It was to test your courage.”
“If you test someone’s courage twice, you might kill them.”
At my incredulous look, Kwak Jinho turned his head slightly.
“What’s going on?”
Cheon Woojin asked with a puzzled expression.
Since Han Seyeon seemed interested too, I hinted at Kwak Jinho to spill the beans.
“···Well, the instructor was a bit harsh.”
“He was indeed.”
As I nodded in agreement with Cheon Woojin, Han Seyeon snickered.
“What’s so funny?”
“Sorry, it’s nothing.”
It was when I pursed my lips at her continued snickering.
Thud.
“The only one faster than me is Eihaesol…”
Mumbling to himself, Sangdo, who was halfway opening the door, froze as he caught sight of the interior.
“Hey, you’re really late.”
As I waved my hand, Sangdo, who was about to open the door, contorted his face as if he had bitten into something bitter, like Nikolai.
***
About 30 minutes after Nikolai arrived, the final Sangdo finally showed up.
“I’m the last one.”
Amelia, looking relieved, spoke those words.
“Perfect.”
“I don’t know what the test will entail, but isn’t having fewer vanguards better?”
“No, this way is better.”
Amelia’s question made me shake my head.
Cheon Woojin, Nikolai. Amelia, myself, Han Seyeon.
Two vanguards, three rearguards.
If we were to conquer the dungeon, having more vanguards would be advantageous due to having more shields, but in the upcoming test, having more rearguards was far superior. Nikolai also nodded in agreement.
“That’s right. I can handle the vanguards alone. It would have been better if we had four rearguards. It’s a shame we don’t have a buff mage.”
“I don’t fully agree with Nikolai, but I think we’re fine as we are now.”
Cheon Woojin appeared unconcerned. However, my agreement with the two wasn’t about our current formation being fine. It was quite the opposite.
“Even if we have more vanguards, we won’t be able to hold on properly and will likely fall apart. It would be better to have more rearguards.”
Whether it was Cheon Woojin or Nikolai, it didn’t matter.
Even if a young lion is strong, in the end, it’s still just a cub.
From Noble mtl dot com
Glancing at Gwak Jinho, it seemed like he found our conversation interesting, as he smirked.
Weeiiing─
At that moment, Gwak Jinho’s smartphone vibrated. The time displayed on the screen was [1:00 PM].
Turning off the alarm, Gwak Jinho stood up from his seat.
“It’s a bit early, but since all five of us are here, let’s get started.”
After entrusting the remaining Sangdos’ tests to the assistant who came in, Gwak Jinho looked around at us and grinned.
“It seems like everyone is curious about the test’s content.”
The four, excluding me, nodded.
Of course, they had only heard that it would start when five people gathered; the specifics of what they would be doing were not specified on the bulletin board.
“The content of the test is ‘Mine Hunt.'”
“Mine Hunt?”
“Oh, are we going to simulate it like in class?”
As the four expressed puzzled looks at the unexpected topic, Gwak Jinho shook his head.
“No. The test will be conducted in real combat. Come up with the best strategy by combining your strengths without distinguishing means and methods.”
“…”
“Regardless of the circumstances, approach with the determination to kill the mine. And the mine is…”
Pointing his thumb towards his chest, Gwak Jinho grinned.
“Me.”
“!”
***
The highlight of the midterm exam during 2nd period. The ‘City Training Ground’ in Eternity where the ‘Mine Hunt’ takes place.
Built in preparation for the City War, this ‘City Training Ground’ boasts the most extensive width among all training grounds in Eternity.
[Now, I will guide you through the ‘Grand Mine War City Exam.’]
As the four of us entered the entrance of the training ground, the guidance broadcast echoed through the speakers.
[The role of the Mine is taken by ‘Instructor Kwak Jin-ho,’ and you can confirm detailed information through the instructions provided.]
[Grades are assigned based on contributions, and when a certain amount of damage is accumulated on the Life Bracelet you received, it turns red. If it turns red, you are eliminated. Please exit the City.]
“Can I… win this?”
Amelia, who was always confident, spoke with uncertainty this time.
It was because Kwak Jin-ho was a renowned figure even in the Superhuman Society.
His history, written on the paper received, far surpassed the level of ‘brilliance.’
——–
▶Eternity Instructor Kwak Jin-ho.
▶Ranked 328th in the Superhuman Ranking.
─Survived the Great War with the Mine 20 years ago, a war hero.
─One of the top 500 Superhumans officially designated by the Superhuman Association.
─Ranked 64th in the Eternity Superhuman Hall of Fame······
─Documented in the history books of the Great War······
——–
“Just landing a proper blow is enough to pass. And, Instructor Kwak Jin-ho restricts his magic to 10%.”
Cheon Woo-jin’s voice was filled with confidence.
No matter how remarkable Kwak Jin-ho was, if he restricted his magic to 10%, there was still a possibility for them.
“It’s absurd that even an instructor with restricted magic can’t be defeated.”
Nicolai snorted, his demeanor showing signs of being disregarded.
It was understandable; even a lower-level Mine would find it difficult to defeat a Superhuman whose magic was restricted.
To Superhumans, the importance of magic was absolute.
So, Nicolai and Cheon Woo-jin’s confidence wasn’t unfounded. But I remained skeptical.
‘If it were any other Superhuman, Nicolai would be right, but that shouldn’t be applied to Kwak Jin-ho.’
He was a figure who lived through the era of war.
While Mine hunting had turned into a money-making tool for large organizations, and in the modern era where Healing Specialists were readily available at any time, any injury for Superhumans could lead to death, he survived the transitional period of Superhumans where injuries meant death, making him a ‘true Superhuman.’
[Now, let’s begin the midterm Mine battle, City War!]
After the broadcast ended, we entered the City.
“They’re totally underestimating us.”
“Hmm.”
The expressions of the four of us, excluding me, hardened.
It was understandable; Kwak Jin-ho stood confidently with his arms crossed in the center of the City, not hiding or moving.
Nicolai, who was staring at Kwak Jin-ho, spoke up.
“Cheon Woo-jin, you go around to the other side.”
“So, they plan to attack from both sides. Alright.”
Cheon Woo-jin nodded as if he understood.
“Se-yeon, move to a good shooting position. If possible, go to a distant place.”
“Okay, got it.”
“Amelia, prepare an attack spell while Cheon Woo-jin and I draw attention. When I give the signal, unleash it. I’ll be the one to bind the instructor’s feet. Can you do it?”
“I’ll try.”
“Yi Hae-sol, find your position as well. Not too far if possible. Stay within the instructor’s range of sight.”
Everyone nodded without any particular objection to Nikolai’s words.
Nikolai, who mainly hunted magical beasts at the Association, was more skilled than anyone else in devising such tactics.
“When I bind the instructor’s feet, launch a full-scale attack.”
It was a straightforward and standard operation, but that’s why it worked best.
After setting up the plan, everyone moved to their positions.
Cheon Woo-jin circled around the city from the opposite side, while Nikolai walked towards the center from the other side.
“It seems the mock battle is over.”
Kwak Jin-ho, who was standing still, loosened his arms as he looked at the two approaching figures.
“Are you planning to surround me? Not bad.”
Hmm…
Nikolai’s Bird Shoes and Cheon Woo-jin’s sword were enveloped in blue magic.
As they circled around Kwak Jin-ho, exchanging glances, they charged in an instant.
Swishhh—
Nikolai in front of Kwak Jin-ho. Cheon Woo-jin aiming at his back. A combined attack.
And so, the collision of the three took place in the center of the city.
“…Gulp.”
Amelia quietly cast a spell behind a building slightly away from the city center.
＜Blazing Fire＞, ＜Wind of the Sky＞, ＜Cluster of Stars＞.
Fire, water, wind. Three attributes of magic combined and overlapped.
Whoosh—
Dozens of fireballs rose up.
It was Amelia’s signature magic, ＜Inferno of Fire＞.
At that moment, Cheon Woo-jin stepped back, and Nikolai’s Bird Shoes suddenly surged towards Kwak Jin-ho like a gale.
“Now! Do it!”
Nikolai’s voice filled with magic echoed through the city.
Simultaneously, ＜Inferno of Fire＞ flew towards Kwak Jin-ho.
Somewhere in the city, magical bullets rained down as well.
“Oh no!”
Kwak Jin-ho realized, but Nikolai did not delay the attack.
Thus, right before the eruption of magic and bullets, Nikolai swiftly retracted his Bird Shoes and pulled his body back.
Boom! Boom!
The flying flames and the onslaught of bullets covered Kwak Jin-ho.
“…Phew, phew.”
Nikolai, who barely managed to pull himself away, gasped for breath.
It wasn’t too fierce of an attack, but wearing protective gear for the test, Gwak Jin-ho was expected to be unharmed.
“I won.”
Nikolai asserted.
With a tremendous firepower, flames soared, and a thick cloud of dust rose. With such a fierce assault, even if Gwak Jin-ho possessed his full strength, he would have taken a hit. Not to mention now, with his magic restricted to 10%, it was a given.
So, as Nikolai gazed at the dust, he exposed a brief gap.
“The strategy was good, but…”
“······!”
Nikolai’s expression turned pale at the sudden voice coming from behind.
“The finish was sloppy.”
Boom!
─Nikolai Obolens, eliminated!