Ch.44. Becoming a Combat Team!

[“Whenever monsters that transform into humans appear, humanity faces a great crisis. They confuse humans and possess terrifying power.”]

Humanity will try to kill human-monsters on sight because of the damage they’ve suffered from them over the past 40 years.

The prophecy is true and firmly established in people’s minds.

“Me, a monster… Doctor… No, Summoner Teacher. What’s happening to me?”

Despair clouds my vision. It’s definitely clear that I’ve gained a new power different from before.

But that power is a monster. A human turning into a monster? How is that different from a human-monster?

“Wow, if I go out like this, I’ll be captured and killed immediately, won’t I?”

I should be happy, but I couldn’t be.

The threat of monsters transforming into humans is the same now as it will be in the future.

Honestly, I’m the opposite case from those legendary monsters. I’ve gone from human to monster.

No, but to others, there’s no difference between me and monsters that transform into humans.

So the moment I’m caught, it’s an immediate execution order.

“Stop making noise in the dormitory!”

Someone was knocking on the door from outside. Dangerous.

I immediately shut my mouth and waited for them to pass.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror again. What kind of reptile offspring is that?

I have fangs, and my hands and feet have grown enormous. My face just looks a bit prematurely aged, but I’m a monster. The problem is that I’m a monster.

While lost in thought, my sensitive senses alerted me to something.

I can hear vibrations coming from far away.

[Dragon Slayer]

-Characteristic unlocked.

-Characteristic: Perception (Detects temperature changes and dangers in the surroundings.)

As if passing right beside me, I hear footsteps. Voices sound so realistic, as if they’re right next to me.

[The men’s and women’s dorms are separated? That sucks.]

[You idiot. Would they let us stay together?]

[I heard in Norway men and women live together in the military. This place is too old-fashioned.]

[What nonsense. You just want to hit on girls…]

The voices sound vivid, and I can automatically visualize which direction they’re heading.

If they started running, I could probably catch them if I ran too.

No, I take that thought back. Becoming a monster is making me think strange things.

My senses have become sharper.

That much is clear. I moved my body again.

Thud.

The trash can in the corner falls over from my tail.

Tail. Yes, above all, I now have a tail.

A sturdy, long tail. How do I move this thing?

The moment I apply force to my back, my tail moves fiercely. Bang!

At that moment, I made a wrong choice.

The effect my tail creates is sufficiently powerful.

Instantly, the wall cracked from just the air pressure. Along with a loud noise.

“Shit, what if the supervisor comes?”

My current state isn’t normal. But how does this work?

Startled, I looked at my phone.

[Monster Curse Festival Opens! The festival of burning monster remains receives great public response…]

[Monsters escaping from gates cause havoc again before being exterminated]

[Another incident of mistaken killing of someone thought to be a human-monster!]

-Filthy monster! Just die already!

-We should really tear off their limbs

-These fucking monsters, I wish they’d stop coming. I really hate them.

-They’re just like cockroaches, monster species should be killed on sight

-Wasn’t it 5 years ago when monsters that transform into humans appeared? Isn’t it about time for them to appear again?

-Kill them unconditionally when seen. It seems the whole world has determined it’s that time again. They’re asking to report if there are monsters transforming into humans. They’re even offering rewards!

“…”

As expected, the reaction to monsters is utterly ruthless. But going out in this state would mean…

I might be killed immediately.

A world where monsters are killed without question. Having this power isn’t really an advantage.

While organizing my thoughts, I suddenly remembered the existence of sub-cards.

Right, there were definitely sub-cards. If the main card is this type, then what about the sub-cards?

[Sub-Card Summoning]

-Sub-cards support the main card.

-They change according to the main card, but combinations are possible when multiple sub-card data are obtained.

After carefully reading the explanation, four cards were created before me.

So I use these four cards?

The cards were each a different color.

The black card and the red card had locks on them.

“Obviously, conditions must be met to unlock them.”

Yes, I know a thing or two about games. This much is clear. I definitely know there are conditions.

However, the contents written inside were clearly different.

[Awakening (Wild Amplification)]

[Evolution]

“Black is Awakening, red is Evolution.”

The other two were white cards.

[Breath]

[Blood Rage]

-Sub-cards can only be used when equipped.

After calmly reading the explanation, I picked up a sub-card. At the same time, light flickered in my hand, just like before.

If I scratch this, I can use the sub-card’s effect.

Seeing is believing.

I vigorously swiped across the light in one go.

[Breath now available]

Skill: Breath (3 uses)

The item “Breath” was added to the skill list. It has a 3-use limit, but adds a ranged attack function.

Blood Rage should be similar.

[Blood Rage]

-Temporarily weakens defense and increases attack power by 1 rank.

Just as I was checking the cards, my sensitive ears caught a footstep.

The sound of jumping on a bed is completely different from the sound of walking with a friend.

From far away, like an angry bull, relentless footsteps were approaching.

“Who is it! Who’s been making loud noises? Do you want to taste some discipline on your first day?”

It’s Jung Jusang.

He heard the various noises I made while transforming.

“Who is it? Is it this room?”

I heard the sound of the room next door opening.

Wait. I’m currently in monster form? If I’m discovered like this?

[It’s a monster that transforms into a human!]

[Of course we should kill it on sight! We’re lucky to have found it early!]

[It’s a monster that transforms into a human, so kill it without question!]

All sorts of unfortunate scenarios swirled in my head. Finally, the doorknob to my room rattled.

“Hey! Come out quickly. Or I’ll break down the door.”

“…”

Unable to make a sound, I looked for a way to revert.

How do I transform and cancel it?

“Oh? You’re resisting? How impudent! I’ll count to three. One…”

In this moment of crisis, my right hand was glowing.

[Do you want to cancel the card?]

“Two, one.”

My transformation being canceled and me rushing out happened almost simultaneously.

Quickly opening the door, I see Park Jusang’s irritated expression.

Thank goodness.

“What’s this? Why is the wall like that? Was it you?”

“I’m sorry. I was just fooling around…”

“Tsk. How stupid. Request repairs for that, and the cost will be deducted from your salary. Understood?”

“Yes.”

I bowed my head. Come to think of it, this Yeager Academy pays a salary while teaching, right?

“Phew. I’m glad that went well.”

I’m relieved I wasn’t killed for being a monster.

As I was feeling relieved, my smartwatch rang.

[Tomorrow morning will be dedicated to general department introductions and talent evaluations to divide students into classes.]

“It’s here.”

Yes, now comes the moment when the social hierarchy is established.

*

There are two rites of passage that everyone must go through when entering Yeager Academy.

One is the contract with a summoner, and the other is the talent evaluation.

After contracting with a summoner, classes are divided based on internal ranking evaluations.

“One piece of advice: it’s better not to use tricks.”

Our scarred instructor and teacher, Oh Juhwan, warned us.

Oh Juhwan, in charge of the lower class, may look intimidating but is a relatively kind teacher. He seems especially decent compared to the psychopathic instructor of the middle class.

As we heard during the entrance ceremony, Yeager Academy operates with three classes.

They have simple names: upper, middle, and lower class. Initially, they’re determined by evaluations like this one, and afterward, promotions and demotions are decided through tests and achievements.

The higher the class, the better the treatment, and all sorts of scouts rush to recruit those precious talents.

Me? I was naturally in the lower class. I couldn’t do much properly back then because I was following Gold Dohyun’s gang.

Anyway, I didn’t have a summoner then, so what could I have done?

“Gather in the order you’re called!”

We were divided into ten groups, and now the talent evaluation begins.

The instructors make it clear to us:

“This is just the first step. And based on your abilities, you’ll be divided into ‘sidekicks’ and ‘frontline combat’.”

In a way, it was obvious. Not all abilities were combat-oriented.

Some abilities are specialized in supporting others. Otherwise, some go there simply because their abilities are inferior, but usually people choose for themselves.

Still, it’s not forced. There’s freedom of choice in what you want to do.

However, given the competitive mindset of those selected here, if someone with little to offer joins the combat team, they’re criticized as a burden.

“Then I…”

The problem is me. My abilities without transforming into a monster are probably garbage.

But I’ve received a new power.

If I use it, I could join the combat team. But as I’ve already said, if I transform, I’ll be killed immediately.

There are many here who would cut off a monster’s head without question.

At that moment, everyone’s attention was focused in one direction.

The distinctive sky-blue blouse and ribbon of Yeager Academy’s uniform appeared. A navy-colored skirt that fell just above the knee was visible.

Aerial.

Yes, Aerial, who had drawn a 5-star hero, moved confidently.

In that moment, a magic circle was evaluating her.

[Comprehensive Evaluation: A]

“Wow!”

Cheers erupted everywhere. A comprehensive evaluation of A is rare throughout Yeager Academy. Even in my memory, it was headline news and caused a sensation.

The instructor’s expression already showed it was a big deal.

“It’s meaningless to ask, but Aerial, where do you want to go?”

“Combat team, of course. My abilities are suitable for combat.”

“Good. Combat team aspirant.”

She passes by proudly, receiving plenty of attention from those around. After all, her nickname is the Guardian and Queen of Ireland.

People move in turn. Most naturally go to the sidekick team, but there’s one exception.

“Next! Seol Yuhwa!”

Yes, Seol Yuhwa with her supportive abilities from Brisingamen.

But Seol Yuhwa has excellent basic combat abilities. She’ll demonstrate that in the subjugation battle six months from now.

[Comprehensive Evaluation: B+]

“I don’t like being a sidekick.”

Seol Yuhwa boldly declared for the combat team. With Seol Yuhwa’s level, no one would object to her joining the combat team.

“Is that so? Your ability… No, with your skills, it should be possible.”

“Yes.”

Smiling politely, Seol Yuhwa left. After about two hours, my turn approached.

The instructor tilted his head as soon as he saw me.

“Do Jonghyun. For the sidekick team…”

“Wait a moment!”

This person is moving too quickly. I hastily stopped the instructor.

“What is it?”

“I don’t intend to join the sidekick team.”

“What?”

The instructor’s expression hardened.

“Do Jonghyun. You don’t have a summoner.”

“That’s right.”

“Then how do you plan to join the combat team?”

“I can do it.”

I shouted with determination. The instructor looked perplexed as he ran his hand through his hair.

“People like you should go to the sidekick team. There have been cases of people joining the combat team, but they all regretted it. If you can’t fulfill your role properly, you’ll be expelled quickly. The instructor is saying this out of concern.”

“But you respect the individual’s choice, right?”

“…Yes, I won’t stop you. So, combat team?”

“Yes.”

Yes, I’m going to face it boldly. Unlike my past self.

[Comprehensive Evaluation: F]

A miserable score appeared. Last place, rock bottom. When that score appeared, laughter could be heard from all around.

“Isn’t he an idiot?”

“Wanting to join the combat team without knowing his place.”

“My brother told me that a few fools like this appear every year.”

“The fool of the year, I guess.”

“Pointless pride.”

The whispers pouring in don’t bother me anymore. I know what will happen in the future and am well aware of some of the outcomes.

“Yes, things will change.”

I’ve already changed from my past self. So I’m taking on this new challenge in the combat team.

[Do Jonghyun assigned to lower class]

Now, after the morning talent evaluation, I’ve been assigned to the lower class.