episode_0016

‘I’m exhausted to death!’

Having finished the sudden exercise, I plopped down on the floor, panting heavily.

At least I wasn’t the only one in this state.

“Ugh… I think I’m actually gonna die…”

“How much did we even run?”

“W-water…”

Everyone was either sprawled out or lying down, drenched in sweat.

The only one still standing relatively fine was Cheok Jiyeon.

With just a few beads of sweat on her, she exuded an air of effortless grace and beauty.

‘How is she only slightly sweaty after running like that?’

What kind of training does she do to be like this?

No wonder Cheonjihae is known as a gathering place for monsters—it’s no exaggeration.

“Good work, everyone. Drink the beverages provided here. Hydration, minerals, and protein intake are essential after exercise.”

Staff members handed out drinks.

Given Cheonjihae’s scale, there were assistants to help the instructors.

Then again, these instructors were originally professional exorcists themselves.

‘Ah, drinking this makes me feel alive again.’

As grueling as it was, the workout definitely felt effective.

If I keep this up, I’ll probably build a solid physique.

Might as well get healthier while working here…

“Nam Dohyun, trainee.”

“Ah, yes!”

At Instructor Han Soojin’s call, I shot up from the floor.

‘Wait, how does she even remember my name?’

Don’t tell me she memorized it just because I’m the top scorer.

They say if a professor remembers your name, you’re screwed.

“Your hard work was quite impressive. As expected of the top scorer—your grit stands out.”

“N-no! I just ran hard to keep up with my peers.”

“Hehe! And humble too? I like you even more now.”

Han Soojin pulled out a towel and wiped the sweat off my cheeks herself.

Huh? What’s this? Isn’t this a bit too much? I’m feeling pressured here.

“A diligent attitude is essential for an exorcist. Do you have any interest in specializing in martial arts?”

“Ah… You mean martial arts?”

Honestly, I have zero interest in martial arts.

But if I say that here, I’ll definitely get marked, right?

I’m an adult who knows how to navigate social situations.

“If possible, I’d like to learn various things under Team Leader Han Jimin, who represents Korea’s martial arts faction.”

I said I wanted to learn, not that I’d join.

This is the social survival skill I learned in my past life!

I thought I was being as diplomatic as possible, but—

Han Soojin nodded in satisfaction.

“Is that so? I’m delighted to hear you’re eager to learn.”

…Huh? Was there a predetermined answer I was supposed to give?

Han Soojin grinned at me.

At that moment—

BAM!

Her fist shot toward me at a terrifying speed.

A speed so fast I couldn’t even react, let alone see it.

Her fist stopped just 1 cm from my nose.

‘Wh-what the—?’

I couldn’t even perceive the windup, let alone the punch itself.

Is this what a seasoned boxing champion’s punch is like?

Too stunned to react, I froze on the spot.

Meanwhile, Cheok Jiyeon beside me reflexively gripped the sword at her waist.

“Hehe! You really are something.”

Han Jimin laughed cheerfully as she looked at my petrified state.

“Did you not even flinch? Did you realize it wasn’t a real attack?”

Huh? What?

“Still, flinching a little is only human. You didn’t even budge during the entrance ceremony either. You’ve got nerves of steel and sharp instincts.”

What are you talking about?

I just couldn’t react because your punch was too damn fast!

But Han Jimin misinterpreted my reaction and shook her head approvingly.

“Sorry for testing you. I just wanted to gauge your level.”

As if to apologize, she reached out and started massaging my shoulders.

‘Whoa, what is this…? It feels amazing!’

Even though it’s just a simple massage, my muscle fatigue melts away instantly.

It’s weirdly addictive and exhilarating!

Without realizing it, my head starts feeling light, like I’ve been drugged.

“Your shoulders are a bit stiff. Do you study a lot?”

“Ah… Yes… I’ve been working hard on exorcism…”

“As expected of the top scorer. You’re different. Building up your physique will be fun from now on.”

Knead, knead.

Han Soojin massaged my shoulders, neck, and head.

Even though it was light, my body gradually melted into relaxation.

“If you’re open to it, consider specializing in martial arts. You’re already skilled, but I can help nurture your talent further.”

“Y-yes… I’ll keep that in mind…”

If I could get this massage every day, I might’ve agreed to specialize in martial arts on the spot.

Cheonjihae’s team leaders really are experts at persuasion.

‘But… why me?’

Wouldn’t they usually scout someone like Cheok Jiyeon?

Why are they doing this to me, a one-trick pony?

“Good work today. My offer was sincere, so think it over seriously.”

Han Soojin gave my shoulders a few pats before leaving.

Honestly, the way she turned away with a refreshing smile was incredibly cool.

…And then, scorching glares poured in from all around.

“What’s this? Special treatment for the top scorer?”

“From Cheonjihae? No way.”

“No idea what’s going on, but damn, I’m jealous. Already got the instructor’s approval.”

As they say, the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.

Getting the team leader’s attention from the first class invited envy.

‘What did I even do…?’

All I did was grit my teeth and run.

I’d like to ask why she took a liking to me.

“…Team Leader Han Soojin seems to like you quite a bit.”

“Huh? Ah… I guess so.”

Cheok Jiyeon, who had appeared beside me at some point, spoke up.

“She even gave you a massage on purpose.”

“Yeah. It felt really good.”

“Did you like it?”

“Huh?”

“Did you like it?”

Cheok Jiyeon stared at me with icy eyes.

‘Wait, why are you mad now…?’

Despite everything, the martial arts class ended without further incident.

The problem was that there were still more classes left.

‘If the first class was this brutal, how am I supposed to handle the next one?’

The next class was none other than Curse Studies.

You might wonder why exorcists need to learn curses, but—

In modern times, curses are officially recognized as one of the essential exorcism techniques.

‘In reality, it’s not just ghost stories—it’s mainly used against malicious sorcerers.’

Still, it’s not something to take lightly.

Sorcerers are as dangerous as the rumors say.

And curses are their primary weapon.

To counter them, understanding curses is a must.

…At least, that’s what I remember from the game.

‘It’s like studying poison to counter poison.’

Because of this, Curse Studies is considered an extremely important field.

Even Cheonjihae made it a mandatory part of training.

Anyway, I entered the designated Curse Studies classroom.

My peers subtly turned away or avoided me.

‘Seriously, people would think I’m the villain here.’

To make matters worse, Cheok Jiyeon and I were assigned different class times.

Just as I resigned myself to sitting alone like a true loner—

I spotted a familiar face.

‘Oh, it’s Yoo Eunhye.’

The only peer I’d properly introduced myself to and talked with during the entrance ceremony.

She was also one of my favorite characters in the original game.

Maybe because I knew her background as a “dirt-spoon” (someone from a poor family).

Unlike the others, she gave off a more approachable vibe.

‘We’re in similar situations, too.’

Yoo Eunhye was sitting alone in a corner of the classroom.

Her usual lack of confidence was evident as she hunched over with an uneasy expression.

As mentioned, most exorcists joining Cheonjihae already have field experience.

That means they’ve already formed connections or factions.

‘People like me and Yoo Eunhye, with no connections, struggle to fit in.’

Competition and discrimination exist even among exorcists.

In my case, I’m marked, but Yoo Eunhye, as a dirt-spoon, is probably somewhat isolated too.

‘True loners find allies in fellow loners.’

With that otaku-like reasoning, I approached Yoo Eunhye.

“Mind if I sit here?”

“Huh? Y-yes?!”

Startled, Yoo Eunhye looked up at me like a wide-eyed kitten.

Adorable.

“O-of course! This seat’s empty.”

“Thanks.”

I sat down beside her.

Yoo Eunhye seemed awkward with the interaction, glancing around nervously.

“Ah, um! Congrats on being top scorer! I was too shocked to say it back then…!”

“Thanks. Oh, and let’s drop formalities. We’re peers, after all.”

“R-really? Should we…?”

“Yeah. Let’s keep it comfortable. We’re coworkers now.”

Yoo Eunhye blinked blankly for a moment.

Then, scratching her head, she let out an awkward laugh.

“Hehe! This is my first time having a work friend.”

Ahh~ This healing feeling.

This is what a proper work life should be like.

Yoo Eunhye also seemed a little excited now that she had someone to talk to.

“What do you think the Curse Studies class will be like? I’m looking forward to it.”

“Ah… It’s better not to get your hopes up.”

Just as we were chatting—

Creak.

The classroom door opened with a heavy sound.

“Hello, everyone~ Nice to meet you!”

The Curse Studies instructor was a woman with strikingly silky hair.

She waved enthusiastically at the trainees.

Her lively demeanor and voice—

Everything about her felt completely unrelated to curses.

‘All the recurring characters really are overflowing with personality and charm.’

But I couldn’t let my guard down.

Because the players nicknamed her the “Sadist Exorcist.”

“I’m ‘Misinah,’ in charge of Curse Studies. Looking forward to working with you~”

Misinah bowed with a bright smile.

Her cheerful face and attitude must’ve put everyone at ease.

A mix of relief and excitement sparked applause.

“Though we’ve met as trainees and instructor, and I don’t know if we’ll end up on the same team—I believe unity among exorcists is crucial. Don’t you agree?”

Wink!

Misinah’s playful wink drew thunderous cheers, especially from the male trainees.

“Hehe! I’m glad you’re all so responsive. Let’s stay this close from now on.”

As she spoke, Misinah pulled out a box of cookies.

“These are friendship cookies from me. I’m still a beginner, so the taste might not be perfect… but I’d appreciate it if you all tried them and wrote down your thoughts.”

“Oooh~!”

Even though it’s the first class, she’s handing out snacks?

The trainees cheered again.

Yoo Eunhye’s eyes sparkled especially bright.

“She’s giving us cookies! The Curse Studies instructor is so nice!”

“Ah… Well.”

Yoo Eunhye held the cookie packet carefully in both hands.

Just as she was about to unwrap it, I stopped her.

“Wait. Don’t eat that.”

“Huh? Why?”

She looked like a hamster whose sunflower seed had been snatched away.

“Wow~ These are delicious.”

“So sweet. Perfect for my taste.”

The others who got their cookies first were already eating and praising the flavor.

“Everyone else is eating them…”

Yoo Eunhye pouted, but since I—her first friend—was serious, she just fidgeted in place.

And so, everyone except us finished their cookies.

Misinah watched this and smiled sweetly.

“Hehe! Did everyone enjoy them?”

“Yes~”

“Great! Then, let me say one more thing.”

Keeping her smile intact, Misinah continued.

“Are you all idiots?”

The classroom atmosphere instantly froze at the sudden insult.

Unfazed, Misinah crossed her arms and clicked her heels as she walked between the trainees.

“You do know I’m the Curse Studies instructor, right? And you just ate something I gave you without purifying or checking it first?”

The moment she said that—

“Ghk!”

“Argh!”

Trainees clutched their chests in pain.

Some couldn’t take it and slammed their faces onto their desks.

“Hehe…”

Misinah grinned as she tapped one of the remaining cookies with her finger, crumbling it to pieces.

“These cookies actually contained a weak curse. If I were a sorcerer here to attack you? You’d all be dead by now.”

Gulp.

The trainees swallowed dryly.

The first class’s “gift” was a trap and a lesson in one.

None of them could’ve guessed the harmless-looking cookies had such a purpose.

“Curses work like that. You never know when or where they’ll strike. Let your guard down, and they’ll take your life in an instant. But—”

Misinah paused, then smiled at one of the trainees.

No—she was smiling directly at me.

“Seems like someone here saw right through me. That’s a first in Cheonjihae’s history.”