Ch.2222. Capture for Evolution

In the interview room, cups of black tea were placed before them.

Seol Yu-hwa was now seizing the opportunity of a lifetime.

The scout from the White Dragon Guild, Jeon Se-jin, had come to see her.

“Hello. I’m Jeon Se-jin from the White Dragon Guild.”

“Hello.”

Seol Yu-hwa couldn’t hide her excitement inside.

The White Dragon Guild was the top guild that any Jaeger would dream of joining.

And they had noticed her.

“May I ask why the White Dragon Guild wanted to see me?”

Seol Yu-hwa smiled with as much dignity as possible, armed with a gentle smile.

“As a scout, the Guild Master has taken note of your talent.”

“Do you mean Dokgo Jun?”

Seol Yu-hwa took a deep breath. Who was Dokgo Jun?

One of the world’s top Jaegers. To be noticed by him was an incredible honor for her.

“What do you think of our White Dragon Guild?”

“The name of the White Dragon Guild is well-known, so it’s an honor for me.”

Seol Yu-hwa had no reason to refuse. Plus, there were only two weeks left until payday.

Thinking of her siblings, she had to accept this offer.

The scout pulled out some documents.

“But you need to prove your performance. This contract isn’t an official one, but a provisional contract.”

“…A provisional contract?”

“Yes. The White Dragon Guild isn’t just any random group. We’ll make a provisional contract, and if you maintain excellent grades until the break, we’ll proceed with the formal contract.”

An unexpected contract. Normally, a scout might have been cursed out by a proud candidate, but was Jeon Se-jin an ordinary scout?

He was the White Dragon Guild’s scout. His words were absolute.

Seol Yu-hwa didn’t want to miss this opportunity.

So she stamped the contract. They would evaluate her again later, but basically, she just needed to do well.

‘With this, I can even get a birthday present for Hyun-ji.’

Seol Yu-hwa left the interview room with a satisfied face. Then she headed to the advanced class.

‘I need good grades.’

There was only one thing on her mind. Do Jong-hyun’s face.

Somehow, Do Jong-hyun seemed to be good at studying.

He was very knowledgeable in theory.

‘It’s not like he and Ariel are dating, I was just overthinking things. Next time, we’ll work together.’

Just as Seol Yu-hwa had made up her mind and was entering the advanced classroom.

Bang!

There was a loud noise. In front of Seol Yu-hwa stood an angry Geum Do-hyun and Ariel. Plus, a desk that had been knocked over was rolling around.

Ariel’s expression, unlike Geum Do-hyun’s, was smirking.

“Oh my? Are you upset because your lackey got beaten?”

“Ariel! You gave him an enhancement suit as a gift? Why? Min Gang-su lost because of you!”

“So what? It’s my choice. I heard rumors that Do Jong-hyun beat your lackey spectacularly, even without a summoned spirit.”

As Ariel showed a mocking attitude, Geum Do-hyun took a stance as if ready to pounce on her.

But he couldn’t. Seol Yu-hwa had seen Ariel’s skills during the attack incident long ago.

Geum Do-hyun couldn’t win against her.

Whatever might happen later, it was absolutely impossible right now.

Knowing this, Geum Do-hyun could only grind his teeth. Seol Yu-hwa was more concerned about the talk related to Do Jong-hyun than their confrontation.

‘She gave him an enhancement suit as a gift? Why?’

Not knowing the details, Seol Yu-hwa was curious about Ariel’s intentions.

Additionally, her own poor financial situation came to mind.

She couldn’t afford such an enhancement suit. If Ariel was trying to draw in Do Jong-hyun like this, she would be helplessly pushed aside.

Poverty.

Seol Yu-hwa regretted thinking about Do Jong-hyun. It only brought up feelings of inferiority and anger.

‘I don’t need it. I’ll do well on my own.’

Seol Yu-hwa felt an inexplicable sense of betrayal deepening.

***

As always, awkward situations are truly difficult.

“…”

I had joined the club, hadn’t I? Of course, Seol Yu-hwa was there.

But during the last practical session, she seemed disappointed when she saw me.

Because of that, she was silent now too.

We’re on our way to watch a movie. It’s just a club activity, we just need to watch it, but going together like this was painful.

I’m not particularly talkative, but I don’t completely avoid speaking either.

In the end, I was the one who couldn’t stand the stifling atmosphere.

“This movie is a thriller, what do you think? Do you like that kind of thing?”

“It’s vulgar.”

Seol Yu-hwa answered calmly.

“You’ve never even seen one. I don’t like that kind of thing.”

“I see.”

To be precise, she’s probably never seen one at all. Knowing her family situation, her pretentiousness seems quite adorable to me.

“How about working together for the group project next time? We set a new record last time, so it should go well this time too, right?”

“…”

Seol Yu-hwa stared at me intently.

“You don’t seem like a reliable man.”

“No, you’ve seen my abilities. At least I can help you diligently.”

“I’ll think about it.”

She’s still cold. Is it because she’s been with Ariel? But what does that matter? It’s normal to work with different people.

That was the end of our conversation.

The movie was extremely interesting. From the chase scene to the final twist, I was able to enjoy the movie very satisfactorily.

Glancing at Seol Yu-hwa, her face was flushed.

Yes, this is a well-made movie.

“How was it? Good, right?”

“Ah… yes. It’s my first time seeing…”

Seol Yu-hwa reflexively nodded.

“First time?”

“My family doesn’t let me watch such things. They say it’s not appropriate. But it was actually good.”

Acting like a haughty noble, Seol Yu-hwa walks away from me.

But she stops after a few steps.

“Do Jong-hyun.”

“What?”

“I heard you received an enhancement suit from Ariel. Are you going to keep working with her?”

Seol Yu-hwa asks hesitantly.

“I haven’t decided to work with anyone specifically. That was just a reward she gave me herself. I had no reason to refuse something offered for free. I’m fine with anyone, but if I had to choose, I’d prefer working with excellent people like you or Ariel. Just let me know anytime if you want to work together. I’d welcome it.”

“Really?”

At that moment, Seol Yu-hwa’s face seemed to suddenly relax.

Was it my imagination?

Seol Yu-hwa quickly left.

“Well, looks like I have to get back to work.”

[Monster Daily]

If I collect just three more component cards, I can get a new evolution route.

So today I wanted a place where three component cards would appear.

“Good. A place with few people and late arrivals…”

Coincidentally, a B-rank cyborg armor was appearing at a mountain foot about an hour away.

“Let’s go.”

Now’s my chance to get another evolution route.

The more diverse evolution routes mix, the stronger the evolved form becomes.

So I’ll deal with the human monsters and restore this place to its original state.

I was heading to the mountain foot as planned.

“Hmm?”

I spotted a woman in my line of sight. She was dressed in colorful hiking clothes as if going mountain climbing, and my eyes were involuntarily drawn to her remarkably noticeable hips.

Wow, who is she?

I raised my head and quickly scanned in all directions, but soon regretted my action.

It was definitely no joke.

The tear mole flowing with adult sensuality, a soft and elegant impression, and voluminous hair braided to one side.

Her captivating gaze turned toward me. She was definitely someone with an appearance worth admiring, but why did I regret it?

“Eun Se-rin?”

Right in front of me was Eun Se-rin, who was on maternity leave and plotting schemes after the first semester.

“…Do you know me?”

Suddenly, Eun Se-rin’s soft gaze turned sharp.

Under tremendous pressure, I racked my brain.

“Strange? Who would…”

“Ah…ah…! I’m a student! From Jaeger Academy!”

“Oh, is that so?”

I let out a sigh of relief as Eun Se-rin’s gaze softened again.

“Ah, a first-year student? Which class are you in?”

“L-lower class.”

“Lower class? I see. Unfortunately, I won’t see you except during the common magic class. But what brings you here at this dark hour?”

Eun Se-rin asked me another question.

“I’m working hard to build my physical strength to become stronger. Physical strength is one of the keys to magic operation, right?”

“I see. Working out when others are resting, how diligent. I like students like you who work hard. The teacher is also testing her physical condition before returning.”

Eun Se-rin gives me a friendly smile.

It would have been enough to captivate anyone else. But it’s useless on me, who knows the truth.

“But how far are you going? I’m planning to go further in.”

“The teacher is about to head back. But don’t go too far ahead. You could die.”

For a moment, the last words sounded like a warning.

Surprised, I questioned her, but the kind teacher turned around again.

“Understand? Even a Jaeger can be in big trouble if they get lost in these mountains. Just walk around a bit and then go back. Got it?”

Eun Se-rin turns and leaves.

“Phew.”

At least she won’t interfere with my monster hunting. Now I just need to wait for the break.

I took out my main card and scratched it right away.

It’s time to evolve from a wyvern to an insect. Plus, this is a forest.

It’s a place where I can exert optimal power regardless of terrain cards.

[Evolution]

The sub-card evolution shines, and once again, I have a wide field of vision.

I can kill immediately no matter where they appear.

Since I don’t need field cards, I equipped smoke, hardening, and acceleration, and now I just waited for time to pass.

Eventually, five mechanical beings appeared before my eyes.

B-rank means cyborg armor.

I’ll catch those guys and insert a new evolution route.

I flew up into the sky. A buzzing sound like a giant wasp resonates in my ears, creating an intimidating noise.

The mechanical beings naturally don’t suspect me.

“Hmm? Did cyborg armor look like that?”

But before launching an attack, I saw something strange in front of me.

Among the cyborg armors, there was one holding a greatsword like a general.

Strange? The Monster Daily only mentioned cyborg armors.

[Acceleration]

Then it’s clear that I should target that one first.

Right when that strange one still recognizes me as one of its kind.

[Wind-Cutting Slash]

Just as I was about to target it with my thorn-like spike, the one with the greatsword suddenly threw one of the cyborg armors at me.

“What?”

Debris from the shattered cyborg armor scatters before my eyes.

I smashed the cyborg armor in an instant, but the problem is that the one with the greatsword has now recognized me.

At the same time, the other entities suddenly scatter and start hiding behind trees.

“…”

It recognizes me and throws another monster as a shield. Is this even possible?

While keeping my eye on the cyborg armor with the greatsword, I looked around.

With my wide field of vision, I can easily track their positions.

I moved my wings toward the one at the front first.

The cyborg armor will be calculating my moves, as per its characteristics.

Before it completes its calculations, I’ll take out one first.

With my body enhanced by the adaptability buff, I finished off the frontmost one with a Wind-Cutting Slash in one go.

The cyborg armor was completely crushed, and just as I was moving to the side, a greatsword flew over my head.

“!”

I had no choice but to look at the cyborg armor at the very back.

That one is somehow different.

In the midst of my confusion, I felt one of them jumping above me.

[Wing Wave]

I vibrated my wings to emit a shockwave, and the cyborg armor’s body began to crumble like a cookie.

Three remain.

I want to deal with them in order, but that one keeps bothering me.

With B-rank, I should have the advantage with my stats enhanced by the adaptability effect.

I changed direction.

Straight toward the one that threw the greatsword.

How will it counter?

But at that moment, a tree was falling right in front of me as I charged forward.

I dodged to the side and charged again, but the cyborg armor jumped.

And just like before, it threw another sacrifice.

“No…!”

By this point, I was convinced that there was something special about that one.

It’s different. In this darkness, only that one is different.

After I dealt with the sacrifice using Wind-Cutting Slash, it suddenly walked toward me.

[I’ve figured you out.]

Shock pounded in my head.

It spoke. Clearly and distinctly enough for me to recognize.

There are only three cases where monsters speak: high-rank entities, human monsters, and the Goegyeopdan who wish to become monsters.

Something ominous was happening right now.

[Who are you? You’re not in the information.]

The mechanical voice questions me, but I had no intention of listening.

I charged right at it, and it took a defensive stance but suddenly swung its hand.

Wounds from my wind-cutting attack appeared on its body, but I felt an impact on my body as well.

Simultaneous strike.

We both took damage, but suddenly one of the cyborg armors leaped up from behind it.

“Ugh!”

I hurriedly threw myself aside, but my wings weren’t moving properly.

[Analysis complete. With our defense and numbers, no matter how fast you are, we can easily withstand each ‘exchange’. Your durability is weak.]

These guys plan to attack simultaneously when I attack.

Indeed, the insect form lacks durability. After just two attacks, my body condition isn’t good.

It calculated this insect’s durability? Then I’ll break it.

[Hardening]

At this moment, I used a sub-card to harden my body.

One chance. I won’t hit and dodge. I’ll trust the hardening card and endure.

And I flew once more.

I’m slower than before, but it doesn’t matter. It actually helps lure the enemy’s attack.

[Wind-Cutting Slash]

Once again, my technique flies toward it, and we exchange blows.

Pain spread, but it’s more bearable than before!

And at this moment, the cyborg armor that was behind jumped forward, and I stopped in place.

[Wing Wave]

And the wing wave spreads out. The charging cyborg armor, of course, and the strange one behind it. They should all be caught in the aftermath…

But right in front of me, this bastard suddenly swung the greatsword.

When did it pick up that greatsword?

But already, with pain I had never felt before, I was sent flying.

“Keurgh! Huk!”

Looking at my side, blood was gushing out like a volcanic eruption.

“This is messed up.”

I’m in danger. And the one with the greatsword is moving again.

“Huff…”

Should I transform into a dinosaur now and go all-in?

I hurriedly tried to change my main card.

[Main Card Change Impossible]

-Due to insufficient magic power, you cannot transform from your current state.

-You need to recover or use a new evolution.

New evolution. I needed something that would make my eyes pop open.

What I needed now was monster components. And there were four mechanical monster corpses around me.

“I’ll have to try.”

In this moment of crisis, I spotted an opportunity for a miracle.