episode_0470

The characteristic held by Shin Yoojeong is named ‘Super Regeneration.’

As a B-rank trait, its effects are straightforward.

It enhances physical regeneration in proportion to accumulated fatigue, wounds, and pain during battles.

Though simple, it is an efficient ability.

Heightened physical regenerative capabilities imply prolonged endurance.

Moreover, the time tanks endure translates directly into opportunities for dealers.

A presence within the party that creates the most favorable positive cycle.

However, it also acted as shackles hindering Shin Yoojeong.

While undeniably a good trait, its limitations are clear.

The word ‘simple’ carries a dual nature.

It signifies both the advantage of being straightforward and convenient, as well as the difficulty in introducing diverse changes no matter how much one schemes.

Furthermore, there are limits to the regeneration that increases in proportion to received shocks.

Superficial wounds may heal swiftly, but deep wounds only stop bleeding with great effort, requiring considerable time to fully recover.

This is the reason why Shin Yoojeong’s potential is considered a step lower than that of other party members.

Hence, it was expected that in order for him to become the S-rank Hunter he so desired, he would have to break through more barriers than others.

“I… evolved my trait…?”

That barrier has been shattered.

And it was the toughest barrier of all.

“I evolved, you say? How so?”

“Um… Well, first, my trait grade rose to A-rank.”

The lad responded with a bewildered expression.

Quite a development indeed.

An increase in rank accompanies an overall enhancement in efficiency.

The limits of regenerative power, which were previously limited to healing superficial wounds, have likely increased significantly.

But that wasn’t all.

“A new function was added… It’s called ‘Store’ and ‘Release.’”

“‘Store,’ ‘Release’…?”

“Yeah. ‘Store’ is about storing some of the impact received by the body. ‘Release’ is…”

“Releasing the stored power, right?”

“Yeah, that’s it.”

Store and Release.

I understand the gist of the ability, but some experimentation seems necessary.

What is the maximum impact that can be stored?

And what about the damage when released?

“Try using the shield.”

“Okay.”

The lad enthusiastically grabbed the shield hanging in the corner of the training ground.

Then, wielding the sword I provided, he cheerfully shouted while striking the shield.

“Drwa!”

“…Didn’t I tell you not to hit the shield with the sword, you rascal?”

“Hmph! If you’re upset… you know, right?”

Look at that lad.

He cast a light spell towards the lad who had become so confident after evolving his trait.

“Fireball.”

Ten fireballs generated around his body poured towards him.

“Hmph…!”

He lowered his stance and blocked the flying fireballs with the shield one by one.

Boom!

Bang!

Boom boom boom!

Smoke rising.

I ask him as he stands firm within it.

“How does it feel?”

“Um… It’s a bit strange. Every time I block an attack, I feel some impact accumulating around the core.”

“Do you have an idea of how much more you can accumulate?”

“Roughly. If I keep blocking like this, I could easily handle around 40 to 50 Fireballs with the shield.”

“Is that so.”

The numbers are larger than expected.

Is the amount of impact stored minimal, or is the storage capacity itself significant?

In terms of output, the current stored impact is roughly about one-fifth.

“Let’s try using Release this time.”

“Where to?”

“Obviously, on me.”

With his response, he deftly wove thin strands of magical energy to create a translucent sphere.

“Shield.”

This was no ordinary shield.

It was a wall made by pulling magical energy imbued with hardness and elasticity into strands and weaving them together, making it several times tougher than a regular shield.

Of course, the casting time is longer due to the effort required, making it something an ordinary mage couldn’t handle properly.

“Try using it here.”

“Hmm…”

Shin Yoojeong, with a contemplative expression, approached the shield and raised his sword.

“Hu…!”

A deep exhale.

Simultaneously, with all his might, he brought down the sword.

“Release!”

A cry bursting forth.

Crack!

The sword descends, tearing through the air with a rough edge.

Tsk tsk.

That’s not how you wield a sword.

Thinking that perhaps it was time to start from the basics with training.

Crack!

The sword, descending fiercely, shatters mercilessly upon impact.

Was the sword too weak to withstand the shield?

No.

Though it happened in an instant, my eyes clearly saw it.

The sword broke on its own just before touching the shield.

Then why did it break?

“Huh?”

“Oh, um.”

It was a moment of perplexity in a bizarre situation.

As a piece of the blade falls off and the sword shortens, a sudden blue energy emanates.

Boom!

“Whoa!”

The forcefully spewed energy sweeps even the wielder away, rushing towards a semi-transparent barrier.

With a sudden burst, a deafening roar.

Crash!

After the chaos subsides, I inspect the state of the shield.

Where the blue energy touched, there is a faint trace of gold.

“….”

Did I mention?

This shield is so sturdy that it can withstand high-level magic.

I’ve created a crack in that shield.

Only about 20% of its capacity.

Filling it up won’t simply amplify its power fivefold, but one thing is certain for now.

The power of Release is more formidable than anticipated.

What I thought was the core of “Super Regeneration,” was actually the essence of “Impact.”

The rise in regenerative ability seemed to be merely an additional factor to endure it.

“…Now I understand why the sword broke.”

It broke due to the force of Release.

The impact was so strong that the sword couldn’t hold up and snapped.

Upon realizing this, I abandoned the plan to reteach basic swordsmanship to the fellow.

“I should change the weapon first, yeah.”

Something other than a sword seemed more fitting for him.

* * *

On the way back home after finishing training.

Driving alone on the dark road with Shin Yoo-jung left at the training ground, Kim Do-jin summed up the day like this.

“You used the elixir very effectively.”

Not a single elixir used today was wasted.

Shin Yoo-jung’s abilities evolved.

No, not just there; the team itself had evolved.

While the characteristics of other team members didn’t increase in grade, they achieved significant growth.

In the case of Im Na-eun, the maximum number of bubbles, which used to be twelve, increased to twenty.

Moreover, the durability of the bubbles was enhanced, allowing her to store even high-level spells. With enough time, she could possess an attacking power that even Kim Do-jin would envy.

Elena’s area of effect and power of her spell carpet were further strengthened.

She could now cover an area exceeding fifty pyeong with her spell carpet.

Sadly, Son Seo-yeon remained unchanged.

It was expected.

She never consumed the elixir in the first place.

Elixirs are potions that provide the most significant help in physical growth and imbalance resolution.

But Son Seo-yeon’s physique already possessed perfect balance and potential.

Feeding her elixirs would be pointless.

Son Seo-yeon understood this as well.

However, seemingly disappointed, she pouted her lips, prompting Kim Do-jin to reassure her that he would find another potion for her next time.

“There will be many more strategies we can use.”

Explosive attack power.

Debuffs affecting a wide range.

Stable tanking and powerful counterattack capabilities.

With the abilities of the three individuals significantly enhanced, it seems they can now consider taking on challenges.

To challenge an S-rank dungeon, where an S-rank Hunter must be present in the party.

“For that, we need to adapt our abilities first… Hm?”

As he mentally organized the upcoming training sessions on his way home, he entered a narrow alleyway that was a must-pass route, only to feel an ominous sensation clinging to his body.

Simultaneously, the surroundings grew incredibly dark and silent.

Nearby, the newly installed streetlights had all lost their light.

Occasionally, there was the sound of a baby crying, or rather, a cat’s wail.

Even the sound of a car engine trying to start.

“…What’s going on.”

All that could be heard was the sound of his own breathing.

Sensing something amiss, he immediately got out of the car and looked around.

A deep silence enveloped everything.

The color of magic flowing smoothly through it was somewhat different from usual.

Close to a dark navy blue.

That magic was the culprit.

The light of the streetlamp, the cries of the cat, and the sound of the car engine.

Everything was engulfed by the sudden appearance of navy blue magic.

And it didn’t stop there.

“…This space itself has been engulfed.”

Light and sound were just a fraction of it.

The navy blue magic was devouring everything around Kim Dojin, with him at the center.

In other words, this place had already become the domain of someone imbued with navy blue magic.

There was only one reason for such an event to occur in a remote town like this.

“If you came to meet someone, it would have been nice to at least show your face and say hello.”

As he tried to address the one who had set a trap for him, the ground around him began to tremble with fear.

The land tainted with navy blue magic.

From there, a viscous, almost liquid-like concentration of magic bubbled and surged.

Boom!

From the surging magic emerged none other than a human shadow.

Literally, a shadow that should have clung to the heels of a human and sprawled on the ground stood alone.

The indigo shadow opened its mouth slowly.

“Kim Do, Jin.”

A faint voice.

The next words started not from the shadow in front of him but from another shadow that appeared beside him.

“You are.”

Then from behind.

“Here.”

One by one, the shadows that had begun to appear now multiplied so rapidly that it was hard to count them with the naked eye.

“To die, here.”

“……”

Cold sweat trickled down Kim Dojin’s spine.