Ch.171171. Competition

The Geum Do-hyun before his regression was clearly a selfish person.

Trampled by Gu Sang-heon, his jealousy turned to hatred until he finally lynched and killed him.

Considering the people he was involved with—Gu Sang-heon, Seol Yu-hwa, and his subordinates—there was sufficient reason for his destruction risk to be 7%.

However, Geum Do-hyun after his regression is different.

“Jong-hyun is entering the competition?”

Geum Do-hyun was surprised by this unexpected news on his way home after being discharged from the hospital.

“So suddenly?”

Looking at the group chat, it seemed that although Jong-hyun was forced into it, it hadn’t been canceled.

‘Come to think of it, isn’t Jong-hyun the most famous by reputation?’

From Geum Do-hyun’s perspective, he was someone he hadn’t even considered. He thought Do Jong-hyun wouldn’t be selected as a representative face.

Basically, he had no summoning spirit, and Geum Do-hyun thought of him as more of an analytical or leadership type.

But when you really think about it, he’s the most famous person in the entire school, with the most recognizable name and face.

‘This makes him even more powerful than Sang-heon or Min-woo, doesn’t it?’

Plus, with the power of the new enhancement suit, he could reach C-class in classes.

Considering that the advanced class aims for B-class by graduation, keeping up without falling behind is impressive.

On top of that, Do Jong-hyun’s knowledge and judgment are arguably the best in the entire school.

‘It just hit me, but he’s really a threat to me.’

Geum Do-hyun felt his competitive spirit rising. The day after his return, he had an awkward meeting with Do Jong-hyun.

“So you’re back.”

“I guess you shouldn’t eat seafood carelessly. I heard you’re entering the selection competition? That makes you a strong competitor.”

“Well… I feel bad about it.”

When Do Jong-hyun apologized, Geum Do-hyun grinned.

“It’s fine. I was half-forced into it anyway. But it seems like you’re not entirely opposed to being selected?”

“Well, if I’m going to do it, I might as well do it properly.”

Do Jong-hyun’s eyes were serious.

If he really wanted to refuse, he could have.

But he didn’t go that far.

“Being selected as a class representative is honestly a good thing. If I’m going to do it, I want to do it right.”

“That’s fine. You’re the most famous student in our school right now. It would be strange if you weren’t selected. We’ll compete fair and square.”

Geum Do-hyun’s personality was at least better than before his regression.

During his first year, he had gained insights that led him to adopt a gentler stance.

Do Jong-hyun’s concerns were somewhat of an overreaction.

‘I just need to do well.’

But he found himself facing difficulties from the start.

“No way, my ability is completely sealed off!”

Fire and water. Due to this extreme incompatibility, his abilities were completely ineffective underwater.

Even when he forcibly expelled magical power to create fire, it was simply extinguished underwater.

‘In this case, I’ll just have to work as a porter.’

Still, his basic skills were superior to his peers. His swimming using magical power was excellent as he moved diligently here and there.

‘Come to think of it, I’m like Do Jong-hyun right now.’

Due to the nature of his ability, he couldn’t be effective in underwater rescue operations.

He was just going through the motions alongside others. Naturally, his grades were around the middle of the pack.

‘It’s because I can’t contribute much.’

While Geum Do-hyun showed such regret, Do Jong-hyun’s team was ranked second.

‘That’s strange.’

Clearly, under underwater conditions, he and Do Jong-hyun were similar. No, he should have the advantage since he could at least use magical power.

‘What makes the difference?’

Even with better conditions on his side, the other team was in second place.

Was it because of the combination with Aerial and Seol Yu-hwa?

“Hmm…”

There was no problem with Geum Do-hyun being friendly with those two.

From the beginning, Aerial was so strong-willed that Geum Do-hyun had been put off by her.

‘Those two being close to Do Jong-hyun…’

While Aerial’s connection with Do Jong-hyun made some sense, Seol Yu-hwa was truly unexpected.

She had a gentle personality and was graceful. Even her mannerisms were elegant.

That’s why Geum Do-hyun had shown interest in Seol Yu-hwa since his first year.

This was the same before his regression.

However, after Seol Yu-hwa was picked up by the White Dragon Guild and became a “competitor,” he had somewhat suppressed his romantic feelings.

Looking back now, it was puzzling.

‘I’m jealous of his popularity.’

Even Seol Yu-hwa was much more comfortable around Do Jong-hyun.

It was different from how she kept an appropriate distance from other classmates.

It was complex. Even though Geum Do-hyun tried to let it go, everything he saw now seemed strange.

‘And I need to find out what connection Jong-hyun has with the monsters…’

His food poisoning could be considered an act of God, but among the Jaegers he was going to invite, there was even a traitor, causing chaos in the aftermath.

It was a complete mess.

‘Sigh…’

“Geum Do-hyun! Focus.”

He was caught spacing out during case study time by another classmate.

Seo Jin-won. Someone who had moved up from the intermediate class to the advanced class.

‘I thought Han-sung, the class president, would move up…’

Seo Jin-won had a good ability that allowed him to float using the power of his summoning spirit.

Considering how difficult it is to find abilities specialized for air and sea, his prospects were good.

Lee Han-sung urged the distracted Geum Do-hyun to come up with better strategies for improving their performance.

“Geum Do-hyun, your ability is weak against water, right?”

“Why ask something so obvious?”

“Did I say something offensive? What’s with your attitude?”

Geum Do-hyun was feeling extremely irritated. He shouldn’t be like this normally.

It’s not appropriate for a class representative to behave this way.

“No, I’m sorry. I guess I’m being sensitive.”

“…Anyway, the issue is how to handle Geum Do-hyun’s ability. Is there anything that can protect his ability?”

Yu Ji-a raised her hand in response to Seo Jin-won’s question.

“Enhancement or protection would be perfect.”

These are types of buff or debuff-related abilities. Enhancement literally strengthens abilities to maintain them underwater.

Conversely, protection shields abilities from water, like a person riding a submarine or ship.

Various methods to support Geum Do-hyun’s magical power were discussed during the case study.

But Yu Ji-a actually possessed an “acceleration” ability, not enhancement, and none of the sidekicks had anything to complement fire abilities.

At this point, Eun Se-rin completely reshuffled the teams.

“You shouldn’t get complacent just because you’re used to your current team. Don’t forget that in the second semester, you’ll be working with first-years.”

Finally, the team members were being changed.

“We’ll change periodically from now on. And remember, there’s training from late May to early June, and midterms start in mid-June, so plan and practice accordingly.”

She explained the upcoming schedule and advised them to prepare in advance.

As everyone knows, in the second semester, they’ll have to focus entirely on gate practice while working with first-years.

There’s a reason why rescue activities and training are concentrated in the first semester.

In his new team, Geum Do-hyun’s situation remained the same. Without protection or enhancement, he was limited to providing fuel or momentarily producing light.

He was suitable as a signal, but that’s not what he aspired to be.

‘This is frustrating.’

Negative emotions were building up, and now the teams changed again the following week.

And coincidentally, he ended up in the same team as Do Jong-hyun.

“…”

Geum Do-hyun could feel the anger growing inside him.

*

Do-hyun is acting strange. It’s been two days since we started the practical training, and he hasn’t said much.

He follows instructions well but doesn’t go beyond that.

Above all, his expression shows signs of irritation.

“We’re in 8th place, right? We can go higher.”

Everyone nods at my words, but we’re not taking advantage of the case study’s benefits.

“Don’t just nod. We need to find complaints or areas for improvement.”

“Haven’t we done that already? Following your instructions on how to distinguish obstacles from structures and how to detect quickly. But our team just doesn’t have people who are good in water.”

Geum Do-hyun replies curtly.

“No, there are more methods.”

“Like what?”

“Do-hyun, can you only create fire? Or can you do anything related to fire?”

“I can produce light momentarily.”

Right, Geum Do-hyun’s power comes from Ifrit. If he can use fire power, couldn’t he use other related abilities?

Geum Do-hyun says nothing.

“We need this to achieve better results. Think back to science class.”

I heard about this during my time as a cannon fodder. They say Olympic torches can be kept burning even underwater.

“Let’s say magical power is the fuel for fire, but sufficient oxygen is needed. It’s the same with Olympic torches. They maintain the flame underwater by continuously exploding and supplying oxygen.”

“This sounds like science class.”

Geum Do-hyun seemed somewhat interested.

“We need to encase the ignition part. Isn’t there someone among us who can do that?”

I looked at Ban Woo-hyun, one of our team members.

His ability is barrier creation. It’s different from enhancement or protection, but it could work.

Geum Do-hyun looked incredulous.

“Even with a barrier, he can’t block water itself.”

“You’re such a negative person. Be quiet.”

At my words, Geum Do-hyun seemed offended again and avoided eye contact.

“All we need is magical power.”

We could use a baseball glove or signal baton as a medium.

Continuous explosions from magical power, with barriers blocking water from entering.

“Will that work? The ability disappears when used strongly.”

“Controlling it is your job. We don’t know how this team will perform. But it’s better than not being able to do anything underwater.”

I taught Geum Do-hyun the principle of a torch that pushes water away with pressure underwater.

Of course, it wouldn’t work perfectly at first.

Geum Do-hyun’s power control, coordination with Ban Woo-hyun, and the limited means of communication underwater all posed challenges.

That’s why we fought intensely for three days.

“No, don’t create the barrier like that! Just do it until I push the water away with pressure!”

“You must have messed up!”

We were still arguing vigorously on the last day of the case study.

Perhaps because we focused on Geum Do-hyun’s underwater utility, our performance actually dropped.

But what can we do? It’s necessary for the future.

Today was a special day.

Geum Do-hyun expressed gratitude for my previous advice and made a proposal.

-Geum Do-hyun: I realized I’m useless underwater, so even this is better than nothing. With more practice, I think it’ll work well. So please help me. I’ll reward you adequately.

He invited me to continue practicing at his villa over the weekend.

He said he would treat me well during that weekend and help me again in the future.

“It would be good to be natural underwater.”

Using a similar principle, I plan to use Yu-hwa’s Brisingamen to facilitate rescue operations when I meet her next.

Getting stronger this way will be beneficial in the future too.

So I gladly agreed to go to the villa.

On Saturday morning, Geum Do-hyun even sent a limousine.

“…Is a limousine really necessary?”

We headed toward his villa in Taean, overlooking the sea.

Well, I’m not saying this is bad.

After driving for several hours and arriving in Taean, Geum Do-hyun was there to greet me.

But the other team members weren’t there.

“Where are the others?”

“What’s the need? I’ve already gotten a feel for the pressure technique even without the barrier. You give good instructions, so you should observe.”

I could see some adult Jaegers.

“I’ve already prepared everything. Just bring yourself. I’ve even invited a real chef and made preparations. We’ll train until 4 PM, and the rest is free time.”

“Really?”

Special training on the weekend. Of course, it would be nice if nothing happened.

Unfortunately, things always turn out as badly as expected.