Ch.9090. Gate Practice

A solemn atmosphere hung over the Academy that day. Not just the third-years facing their training, but the second and first-years as well.

As October approached, the most crucial gate practice sessions were drawing near.

This one week was the most important. The upcoming gate practice would be a single intense day with all three teams deployed.

Since it was a real gate, even one day could bring unexpected developments, so the policy was to complete everything by evening if possible.

Serin Eun was making thorough preparations with the other instructors to prevent any problems.

“Gate practice… Even people who didn’t come last year are here.”

This time, even the Big Three guilds were directly involved in the preparations.

They hadn’t come last year.

But now, from the Big Three guilds to those just below them—Jeongmumun, Jupiter, Taegeuk Guild and other top-tier guilds—all had arrived.

And there was the ocean specialist Poseidon Guild, the Sun Guild with its recently high profile from YouTube activities, Neptune, Pluto, and others. Representatives from every guild with any name recognition had shown up.

They were here to preview the applicants who would begin in the second week.

‘It’s like a preview of the practical exam.’

Normally, one would submit an application and interview, but here they first assessed qualifications through practice, then recruited applicants in the second week.

The guilds didn’t need to spend their own resources selecting the few people they needed,

and from the Academy’s perspective, these representatives could help if something went wrong (monster break, aberrant).

‘It’s mutually beneficial.’

For Serin Eun, it brought back old memories. She herself had excelled here.

[Miss Serin Eun, please join our White Dragon Guild.]

[The Magician Guild wants you.]

Scouts had flocked to her back then.

‘Well, nothing serious should happen. The Catastrophe Cult is still lying low.’

They’ve suffered significant losses with three executives already taken down.

They might be able to create some random aberrants, but executives were different.

The time invested and experience accumulated couldn’t be ignored.

‘Jonghyun Do’s activities have improved their image, but conversely, it puts them in a position where they can easily attract attention.’

There were pros and cons. The improved image made open activities easier, but increased visibility meant that if they fell from grace, recovery would be harder than before.

That’s why Serin had casually mentioned the Myunghyun Lee incident.

Because they would take a hit regardless.

In reality, though the Catastrophe Cult pretended not to notice, public opinion had taken note.

Moreover, Gojun Dokgo was seizing the opportunity to pressure the Cult again and trying to drag them into legal proceedings.

[Gojun Dokgo meets with President after interview with Gildong Lim]

As soon as the Catastrophe Cult tried to use political connections, Dokgo also mobilized his extensive network for defense.

His meeting with the President was likely calculated to secure political support.

In any case, it was a state of unpredictable chaos.

Fortunately, the concerns Jonghyun had worried about hadn’t materialized.

It would have been insane for the Catastrophe Cult to try something here.

All the famous guild representatives in Korea were gathered, even if the guild masters weren’t present.

Scouts also needed to be skilled with good eyes.

If they got hurt? That would turn all those guilds into enemies at once.

Even Serin didn’t think “that man,” the Catastrophe Cult’s leader, would do something so stupid.

Besides, if there were orders, they would have told Serin to make a gate attack easier.

But since they hadn’t, clearly nothing was happening.

The guild scouts were now taking their seats, and drones and other video equipment were being prepared.

Instructors were stationed throughout, holding cameras and checking the situation.

Serin Eun, along with Juhwan Oh, was responsible for checking teams and sending them to the entry point.

The guild representatives gathered in the VIP section approached her.

“Instructor Eun, how are this year’s students?”

“As an instructor, I should say there are many good ones.”

Serin gave a diplomatic smile and a textbook answer.

It would be bitter for her as an instructor to coldly say there were many subpar students.

‘And I have no intention of casually discussing their value and risking their lives.’

Serin had taught Yeseul In and Jiyun Go.

They were the most promising among the third-years. Other scouts would have prioritized them too.

“Those two, as expected. I’d love to have them join our guild.”

“You’ll need good conditions. More than anything else.”

Just then, a scout from the Poseidon Guild approached.

“Do you have any students who are good in water?”

“In water? Not yet. Though abilities that allow free movement in water or air certainly have high value.”

“Our guild master, Suyeon Lim, deeply regrets missing out on Jihyun So. Especially since her summoning spirit is Poseidon… Wouldn’t she have been perfect for our guild? But one of the Big Three took her.”

“The Big Three are famous for a reason. Besides, underwater combat is difficult, so we only practice it with third-years or in the first semester.”

Indeed, Yeager Academy’s weakness was its focus on land combat.

Underwater combat was challenging even for Yeagers.

As previously explained, it was completely different from land combat, with oxygen—the most essential element—in short supply.

To address this issue, they regularly trained in swimming pools and other facilities, but there were still many deficiencies.

Serin’s eyes lit up.

“From next year, we’ll strengthen the curriculum for underwater and special environments.”

“Ah, then we should have higher expectations for next year.”

“Yes. That’s why this field also includes underwater terrain.”

“But aren’t first-years still lacking? I’m concerned about safety…”

Indeed, first-years were still only learning theory. Putting them in practical training? That would naturally be problematic.

“You’re right. First-years haven’t learned yet. But actually, it doesn’t matter. Isn’t it a matter of choice here?”

“Optional tasks for volunteers only? Then we should just watch the optional tasks.”

Serin didn’t answer, just smiled.

Yes, this mission included an underwater field.

This was possible because the Academy had significantly expanded its staff after the attack incident.

That’s why many people were unusually tense about this practice.

Now the highlight of October, the crucial practice, was beginning.

*

The teams were divided into three time slots, and my team was scheduled to start in the afternoon. That’s when I experienced my first surprise.

The teams were set randomly. But somehow, throughout the entire first semester, I’d never been paired with this guy.

In front of me, a tall, handsome blonde was stretching.

Being blonde, you can guess it’s Dohyun Geum. Of course, it’s dyed, but in a place where most don’t dye their hair, it’s unusual.

I never thought I’d end up working with him.

“We’re both first-years on the attack team.”

I watched the seniors approaching us.

Third-year senior Junguk and second-year senior Dongsu. While Dongsu gave me a suspicious look as he passed, Junguk was different.

“Hey, I heard you’re really good?”

He grabbed my hand and pleaded.

“You know? This senior is done after next week. I just need to do well this once. I’m counting on you.”

He was begging so earnestly.

Understandable, with his employment on the line.

But then, Dohyun Geum stepped in.

“Senior Junguk. I’ll handle the combat anyway. Aren’t you focusing too much on just one person?”

“Oh, Dohyun Geum. Yes, I’m really counting on you. Just say the word. I’ll support you all the way.”

Now we needed to discuss strategy.

The two sidekicks had abilities of Fortitude and Speed Boost.

Speed is straightforward, but Fortitude is a tricky ability.

Fortitude is related to defense when trading blows head-on, allowing one to endure a bit longer.

Though more complicated than Slow or Magic Enhancement, in a “trade damage” situation, this ability is superior.

It enhances defense and endurance.

So this time, we have almost no debuffs.

Well, that shouldn’t be a problem.

At this point, I noticed everyone staring at me blankly.

“What?”

“Jonghyun, you come up with a strategy first. I heard you’re almost like a prophet?”

“A prophet?”

Rumors spread in strange ways. It’s just good analytical skills.

“Is that okay with you, Senior Junguk?”

“If it opens the path to employment, sure. But you really have to do well.”

Actually, apart from a slight nervousness, my physical condition was at its peak.

I rested well on Sunday and took care of my body on Monday.

First, I pondered what might be inside the gate entrance.

What could be in there?

Of course, I don’t have the memory to know all the countless gates across the country.

But I do remember the gate practice from my first year in my previous life.

Back then, as a first-year following Dohyun Geum, the second-years quickly took control.

The area is different from where we practiced then, but I know this place.

That’s right.

“Water.”

“Huh? What did you say?”

Dohyun Geum’s gaze pierced sharply.

“Ah, nothing. Just feeling thirsty.”

“You’re nervous. Hurry up with the strategy.”

I pretended to drink water while being careful with my words.

This year’s practice is at a D to B-rank gate where I’ve hunted several times.

What kind of place? It’s the swamp where I met Jihyun So.

A famous B-rank area with a vast swamp like Lake Baikal, home to D to B-rank monsters.

Lizardmen, swamp slimes, crayfish, carp, frogs—that kind of place. There are fish monsters too.

The reason for this location is that instructors created a “semi-forced event” to prepare for increasingly diverse enemies.

In an instant, all the plans organized in my head.

While the earlier numbers were entering, I had to share the good news.

“We’re in luck. I’ve been here before.”

“Really?”

Dohyun Geum’s expression changed.

It’s true—I had surveyed all the gates in this area while training in D to B-rank gates.

Who knew that searching for gates connected to at least B-rank to avoid suspicion from the security forces would help here?

Anyway, it’s advantageous.

Since I know all the monsters that appear here, I can analyze and play to impress the scouts.

“Next team!”

Finally, it was our turn to enter the gate practice.

I told Dohyun Geum to burn the surrounding trees.

“You want me to burn them first?”

“That will draw out the D-rank tree monkeys. Give Speed Boost to Dohyun Geum, and Fortitude to me.”

The puzzle pieces fit easily in my mind.

Having experienced and fought here before, I can easily visualize what to do with our current composition.

“Hey, can’t I just burn them all?”

Dohyun Geum pointed at the gathered monsters.

With his skills, he could probably incinerate them in one go.

“That’s possible, but for a better evaluation, it’s better to use strategy and catch them all at once rather than just blasting away.”

“Can I use fire to guide them?”

While Dohyun Geum used Ifrit’s flames to create a circle and guide the enemies, I ran.

“Where are you going?”

“Some at the edge can escape.”

Monkeys can hit and run, and if you just surround them with flames, the ones at the back will definitely flee.

If Dohyun Geum put full power into the flames from the start, the monsters would burn just by being near, but he wouldn’t go that far.

Anticipating this, I threw myself forward.

As I rolled forward, they retreated and then stopped.

“Now, Senior Junguk!!”

As flames burst before my eyes and the monkeys lunged at me, I withstood their attacks with Fortitude.

Then I pushed them back into the flames to finish them off.

“Not bad?”

Dohyun Geum suddenly came over and patted my shoulder. Getting praise from him feels strange.

We kept advancing steadily, reaching all the way to C-rank and then the B-rank swamp.

“Underwater. That’s extremely unfavorable for my ability.”

Dohyun Geum showed reluctance toward the swamp area. Naturally—fire meeting water.

“Should we just go back?”

“If it’s B-rank, wouldn’t it be better to catch something? Hey, come up with a strategy.”

But our discussion ended when the instructors appeared.

“47 minutes and 20 seconds. Tied for second place with Sungheon Gu’s team. This is as far as first-years go. Second and third-years will be regrouped separately. First-years, follow the other instructor and wait nearby. Watch and learn how your seniors fight underwater.”

Those who finished early are now waiting diligently for the other teams to finish, but they don’t look relaxed.

Of course, doing more would be better for scores, but underwater combat is more difficult than most practice sessions.

“Speed doesn’t matter, but second place… I wanted first. Damn it!”

Dohyun Geum expressed his disappointment before quickly leaving.

Well, this isn’t about speed but judgment and strategy. Suddenly, there was a commotion behind me.

Deokmin Yu, with bloodshot eyes, was throwing the carcass of a C-rank mucous frog while approaching with his team members.

Wait, Deokmin was in the team after mine? And he’s already made it this far?

“How many minutes did you get?”

“Don’t know. Haven’t asked yet.”

“Well, you probably don’t want to know. I timed it exactly. 46 minutes and 40 seconds. But being caught up by the team behind you, you probably know the result, right?”

Deokmin passed by me triumphantly.

“My score is higher, Jonghyun Do.”

“…”

Deokmin disappeared with a face full of smiles. What’s he trying to prove?

Why has he been picking fights with me lately? Deokmin is acting strange.

Besides, a sidekick like Deokmin taking down C-rank monsters? Here, I considered one possibility.

But without clear evidence, and with the changed Deokmin unlikely to answer my questions…

“Am I overthinking this? Or is it… real? But such things shouldn’t be easy to obtain?”

There was no clear solution for now. I continued watching the second and third-years’ practice.

But this event isn’t over yet. The instructors’ test, which will force even first-years to participate, is about to begin.