episode_0018

[Central Academy]

One of the best hunter academies in Korea.

Where the largest number of foreign students enroll.

A global academy for all talented awakened people from all countries around the world.

Before I was reincarnated in this world, I was going through a lot of hardships.

The area of Heukseok-dong where Chung-Ang University, which I barely passed, was located.

But now, instead of Chung-Ang University, where I attended, the site is empty.

There stood an academy with an exotic feel.

The alleyways of stores I passed by while walking around when I was a college student.

The huge and majestic management building and other buildings were still the same.

In front of it is a placard that says [Welcome new students of 2023!].

Students wearing academy uniforms were flocking in one by one.

‘Is this already my second time entering the academy…’

I looked at the entrance to the academy, soaked in old memories.

The academy’s neat uniforms worn by numerous students,

The exciting emotions I felt that day.

Of course, right after I entered school, I got caught up in all kinds of incidents.

I feel like the only way is to drop out.

I had an incredibly terrible academy life.

For me, who is aware of all the events that will happen at the Academy in the future,

This was no longer a scary place.

‘No… no. Still, there is one thing I am afraid of.’

I carefully looked at Yuri Lee walking next to me.

Since what happened yesterday, her mood has clearly changed.

Of course, deep in Yuri Lee’s heart,

Even though she didn’t show it on the outside that she had developed a twisted affection for her.

Sometimes, when you smile and look at me without saying anything,

My skin felt tingly and my spine sent shivers down my spine.

“Um… Yuri. Arrived.“

“Ah…yes! You’ve arrived. In the end.“

She smiled brightly as if nothing was wrong,

I can no longer look at Yuri as the gentle woman she used to be.

Because of the bit of truth that damn system message revealed.

I missed the comfortable atmosphere with her like before.

‘Lapis… really… the price of returning was a serious one…’

Somewhere around here, Lapis looked at me with a sad expression,

I felt like it would give me a solution on what to do next.

She wasn’t here now.

‘Ha… But somehow… it ended with just a kiss… I just need to be careful from now on.’

The price of returning was greater than expected.

Nonetheless, it was worth the price.

Rather good.

It’s possible to be obsessed and loved by pretty girls.

As a single person from birth, the thought of rejecting their attention was too much for me.

Moreover, maintaining a close relationship with Han Ji-ah, who is level 4, will definitely be of great help in the future.

As with anything in life, if there is something to lose, there is bound to be something to gain.

‘Anyway, all you have to do is walk the line carefully…’

I tapped my cheek and held Yuri’s hand.

“Okay… Then are you ready, Yuri? Academy life begins now.“

“Yes…! Although I am no longer a maid… I will always be by your side, Master…!“

“Uh… First, Yuri, let’s start with that title.“

As we were talking near the school entrance,

Every time the word ‘Master’ comes out of her mouth

I began to hear the voices of students passing nearby whispering.

“Why? It’s natural to call you a master.“

“No, um… yeah, it’s okay when we’re alone. Because there are a lot of people watching the Academy…“

Yuri Lee smiled brightly and gently squeezed my hand.

Although I am no longer wearing a maid uniform,

Wearing a plain school uniform and long black padding.

He clung to me, almost as if he was hugging me.

“Is it really not possible…? …Do.Ryeon♥“

“…I really can’t survive…“

I had no choice but to hold her hand and head toward the entrance.

The entrance ceremony was scheduled to be held in the huge auditorium of the academy’s building 303.

I watched the entrance ceremony with Yuri,

I walked towards the academy’s auditorium.

—-

There were a lot of people crowded inside the huge auditorium.

Everyone was wearing the academy uniform,

In addition, they were carrying a variety of weapons on their backs or waists.

And the most striking feature is,

There are so many foreign students.

Unlike other academies, more than half of the students were selected as foreign students.

Everyone exudes an exotic atmosphere

Everyone was leisurely sitting on the plastic chairs installed in the auditorium.

‘It’s the same as that day… I was really discouraged back then.’

I sat proudly on one of the chairs with my back straight.

Unlike in the past, I am now in a situation where I have clearly awakened.

Even unlike other students, he was an elite in his own right, having already achieved level 2.

Therefore, I sat down confidently and leisurely,

I was waiting for the entrance ceremony to start.

When the hour came, several instructors came up to the podium.

With the crackling microphone sound characteristic of the school broadcasting system.

A message announced the start of the entrance ceremony.

“From now on, the Central Academy entrance ceremony will begin.“

As I quietly sat on the chair and watched the ceremony,

What follows is a somewhat cliché story about welcoming new students along with an explanation of the school.

Then, around the time the performance of the famous idol girl group came to an end.

One of the instructors went up to the podium and grabbed the microphone.

‘Is it… time to come…’

“From now on, I will call the students selected for the equal opportunity selection process and the students selected for the excellent special ability selection process.“

The selection process for excellent students with special talents can be explained clearly.

Even before entering school, he had already worked as a hunter and made a name for himself.

Or children who were recruited into the academy by the school itself or by various hunter associations.

An elite group of literally geniuses.

‘The problem is the equal opportunity selection process…’

To balance the sex ratio between men and women.

Or maybe it’s because of the chairman’s dogmatic thinking.

Han Seo-jin, who could not even awaken, was able to easily pass the Central Academy.

A freshman who was literally lucky enough to be accepted.

Of course, the way they looked at me was not kind.

Thank you for calling me by my name so cruelly, it gave me a bad impression from the beginning.

‘I am useless trash~’ I started from scratch.

‘But… it’s going to be a little different this time.’

When the names on the list were called and my name was called out.

I confidently walked up to the podium.

“I’ll be back, Yuri. Be sure to remember what I said earlier.“

“Yes..! Come back…!“

In a large auditorium with approximately 300 people

I stood proudly, receiving everyone’s disapproving looks.

Is it because I naturally received this kind of attention at New Year’s parties and other events in the first place?

Now, I don’t really care what they think or criticize me.

“What… he’s a man… then he wouldn’t have been able to awaken. Aren’t you embarrassed to have entered here?“

“Ugh. Living at the academy with parasites, this school is all dead~“

“Well, how about laying the groundwork? As long as I pay the right amount, I don’t really care.“

“Hey, remember their faces and names. If you take the placement test with them, your lowest score will be confirmed right away, right?“

‘It’s noisy…’

I was fiddling with the ring and wanted to turn off the [Extrasensory] skill for a moment.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts for what would happen later.

Then I looked at the faces of those who were on the podium with me.

Of course, the candidates on the list of outstanding special talents have a very confident stance on one side,

And the guys who were chosen as examples of equal opportunity were crowded on the other side, giving off a gloomy atmosphere.

When I made eye contact with the youngest, I waved my hand,

She was greeted with a friendly smile and a nod.

Lauren was standing next to her, holding a shield.

Even with a very nervous expression, she did not lose her elegance.

The long flowing golden hair and simple academy uniform

It was my first time seeing him in such a long time that I felt like my heart was breaking.

‘I missed you, Lauren. ‘How have you been?’

I thought to myself and looked away.

Next to her, Surtur was standing proudly wearing an instructor uniform.

As soon as I met another colleague whom I had momentarily missed,

Without realizing it, I almost called out his name brightly like usual.

She has just finished serving in the military during the gate riot near Gangwon-do.

Surtur’s expression still contained the cool-headed face of a soldier.

A cold yet disdainful look.

And for her who always values individual effort and growth,

There was no way I, who had been lucky enough to be selected, would look good.

‘Surt… It’s going to take a really long time to become friends with him again…’

Because she had suffered the most from her time as a student to her time as a commander, and only joined the party at the end.

I was worried about whether I would be able to quickly build a relationship with her again at this academy.

I sighed quietly so that no one could hear.

I looked at the other lucky freshmen who had been selected along with me.

Of the five people in total, four including me were men.

The other one was a very short girl.

He’s so short that it’s hard to believe he’s the same age.

There were visible traces of bandages wrapped around his face and body.

‘Probably… the kid who suddenly dropped out after the first semester… who was it…’

I scratched my head and tried to remember.

He was a child with no presence, and I didn’t even know if he was in the class or had a conversation with him.

The rest of the male students didn’t see anything special.

When you enter the academy, let’s work together to get through it! He started talking to me and said that.

Instead, these guys just used me and threw me away after hitting me in the back.

I couldn’t help but look coldly at people I already knew were trash.

“Hello, are you also selected with equal opportunity with us? Let’s do our best.“

“Yes… I… I haven’t even woken up… I’ll try my best…!”

“Yes, yes! Let’s do well in the future. I’m Park Chun-woo. What about you?“

One of the boys offered to shake my hand,

I looked at his outstretched hand disapprovingly.

‘… Well, that’s it.’

But in the end, kids are kids.

I thought I was an adult who was a bit older than them.

Hiding his cold intentions, he just smiled sweetly and shook hands.

With the feeling of a good-hearted adult.

“It’s Han Seo-jin. Please take care of me.“

‘Don’t ever think about stabbing me in the back again.’

“Everyone be quiet!“

One of the instructors grabbed the microphone and shouted.

Soon, the chairman appeared from the side door.

Long purple hair and white skin,

And she gives off a very alluring vibe.

The chairman of Central Academy and also an old friend of my mother.

‘Then and now… it’s dazzlingly beautiful…’

She grabbed the microphone the instructor carefully handed her and

Soon he started talking in a friendly voice.

But that didn’t matter at all.

Although she was someone who liked to express her thoughts to students.

Today, the speech was particularly long, and there were many loopholes during the speech.

In addition, she places emphasis on words such as [monster], [gate runaway], and [danger].

She was already hinting at a surprise to come.

There was no student in this room who noticed that.

Only the instructors who had been notified in advance were keeping a close eye on the situation.

‘Roughly… it would be like this…’

A surprise gift for the entrance ceremony prepared by the academy.

For young students who are still young,

What is life like as a hunter?

To let you know how seriously you should take this academy.

The [B] class monster, which the school personally captured at the gate, appears through the back gate.

It’s a level 2 monster that even a new student can’t subdue.

Of course, the instructors were fully prepared to ensure safety, but

I intentionally moved the students near the back door to a different spot, but…

‘I don’t know who it was, but thanks to the saboteur, the shackles came off and I got hurt quite a bit.’

Among the students who were unable to evacuate that day, several were seriously injured.

Moreover, due to my unlucky luck, the monster rushed straight at me, so I got beaten up for a long time.

For the first time in my life, it was an opportunity for me to acquire the [Sturdy Tenacity] skill.

‘There is a traitor inside the school. That is my conclusion.’

But I was overwhelmed just by barely being expelled throughout my time at the academy.

In the end, the culprit could not be found until after graduating from the academy.

‘Anyway… If I want to get to level 3 quickly, I need to impress the chairman…’

I watched the back of the chairman, who was passionately speaking with his long purple hair flowing.

Until the end of the day when hell approached.

She continued her own fight alone.

Sometimes, she was able to build relationships by carrying out joint operations with the cadets she sent.

Most of the time, she kept her true feelings hidden and did not try to ease her burden on me.

It was only in the end that we realized belatedly that our sincere feelings were in common.

‘Then… I’ll make a splendid first impression. Chairman.’

I quietly walked towards Yunseo and Lauren.

Then he spoke calmly to them.

“In a little while, a monster will come here. Yoon-seo prevents the monster from approaching the students who will take refuge in the west.“

“I understand, brother.“

“Lauren, you accompany me. Since there are many attacks coming from above, it would be better to raise the shield diagonally to the right.“

“What…? Hey, who are you giving orders to now? What are you…“

I knelt before her and smoothed the shield she was holding.

Then you notice that one of the fasteners is loose.

Immediately, he took out a wrench from subspace and quickly began tightening it.

A mistake she always made during her academy days.

If you fix it now, after the shield unfolds,

It was possible to prevent the shield from shattering after a few hits.

“What…what is happening suddenly?! Don’t touch my shield!“

“Okay, the fasteners are tightened well. Be prepared in advance for the future.“

I chuckled and handed her the wrench.

Lauren looked at me with an expression of confusion,

As the chairman’s long sermon came to an end…

bang—-!!!!

As expected, the back door was pushed open.

Inside, a huge monster appeared with blazing flames.

Wrists and ankles were shackled,

Every time the fasteners became taut, they rattled and it felt like they would break at any moment.

“Kaaa!!!!!“

A tearing sound that seems to pierce the eardrums.

It was a signal announcing the appearance of a monster.

“Wha…what is that!!! It’s a monster!!!“

“Hee…Hee Iik…! Nonsense…! At the academy… there’s a monster…!“

“You have to run away!! Quick!!!“

“All students move to the west aisle! Hurry up!!”

I took out a katana from subspace, and also took out a magnum.

[B] Class Monster [Flaming Beast]

All it takes is one slash from that guy with flames burning all over his body.

The skull of any level 1 or 2 hunter will be flattened in an instant.

The school does not allow even excellent students to come forward easily.

It seemed like they had deliberately prepared an entity with a more violent personality.

“Anyway… All you have to do is beat him down…!“

I quickly jumped off the platform with my weapon raised.

Among the many evacuating students, red hair was waving,

I saw Alice running towards the monster with her sword drawn just like me.

“Alice!!! Don’t approach yet!!!“

“Mr.!!! What on earth is that monster!!!“

She looked at me with a puzzled expression, holding her sword.

I led Alice and ran until I was close to the monster,

Immediately, he quickly shouted towards Yuri.

“Yuri! Remember what I said when I came here earlier! Just follow the plan!“

“Yes…!“

After jumping and stepping on the unstable plastic chairs,

I stood in front of a huge monster.

A monster like a huge gorilla

Each mane was burning red like a flame.

In those burning eyes, only destructive instincts were seething.

“It’s been a while… You bastard!!!“

“Kaaa!!!!!!!“

The monster pounded its chest and screamed.

He swung his huge fist strongly at me.

Boom—!

Kagak—! Kagagak—!

I quickly twisted my sword body and threw my fist away.

He took out Magnum from his pocket and aimed it at the monster.

“This time I won’t be beaten up like that day…! Never again!!!“

Bang bang bang!

The gunpowder exploded and the bullet flew in a trajectory.

In an instant, the bullet hit the monster’s shoulder.

“Kaaa!!!“

Fortunately, the magic bullet was able to penetrate the monster’s barrier.

Next, I ordered Lauren with a smile.

“Lauren!!! Draw aggro from there! Alice! Here, let’s each take one arm at a time with me!!“

“Don’t you dare give me orders..!“

“I understand, master! Just give me a signal!!“

They and I moved in perfect formation.

After putting the magnum in the holster on his waist,

He quickly ran towards the monster’s right arm.

The fire monster seemed unable to come to its senses due to the terrible pain it experienced for the first time in its life.

Then, filled with anger, he started randomly striking the monster’s vicinity.

bang–! Boom boom boom—!

“Disgusting monster!!! Please consider it an honor to die at my feet!!!“

Lauren waved her long hair and struck the shield hard.

At that moment, the silver armor surrounding her glowed strongly.

It began to burn brightly with divine power.

‘That’s… the [Taunt] skill…!’

It was a look I had seen whenever I battled with her ever since I was a commander.

Seen from the perspective of an awakened person, her body movements looked more restrained and powerful.

Since he was still an academy student, he looked a little clumsy.

Perhaps because the skill was applied correctly, the monster’s gaze was completely focused on Lauren.

“Kaaa!!!!!!!“

The fire monster jumped high and hit Lauren hard.

bang—!

Ka-ga-gag—-Ka-ga-ga-gak—-!

Her shield unfolds enormously,

The extremely powerful monster’s blow was absorbed by the shield.

“Ugh..!”

She followed my advice and tilted her shield slightly to the right.

Thanks to this, I was able to withstand the attack much more easily.

When Lauren raised her shield and pushed the monster away,

The monster staggered and stumbled, losing its balance.

‘Now is the time…!’

“Alice!!! Cut it up!!!“

“I understand…! I’ll cut you down with a single knife…!“

I sheathed the sword and turned around.

There, Yuri was looking at me after lighting the dagger.

I nodded at her.

In an instant, she threw the flaming dagger into the air.

Then, it hit the sprinkler attached to the ceiling exactly.

Kang-!

Pushaaagh—!

Countless water droplets began to fall from the sky.

The streams of water that fell from the sprinkler hit the fire monster directly.

“Wow! Wow!!!“

The monster began rolling on the floor as if in pain,

The flame mane that covered the entire body of the flame monster

In an instant, I became soaked in water and the heat began to cool down.

I bent over, closed my eyes, and exhaled.

After concentrating the magic flowing throughout the body in one place.

I let it flow through my fingertips and held the sword tightly.

“Ilsom (一闪).“

“I will cut them all down… in one fell swoop…!“

click-

Kwagwagwagwang—!!!

At that moment, with a sound like thunder.

On both sides, Alice and I leapt at the speed of light with our swords raised.

He sharply swung his sword towards the huge arm of the neutralized monster.

In an instant, 10 sword strikes horizontally, vertically, and diagonally.

It was cut very nicely and beautifully.

click-

After cutting down several monsters in an instant.

Let’s put the sword in the scabbard…

Pushaaagh—!

The monster’s arm was cut off, covered in blood.

The fire monster fell helplessly to the floor.

My face was covered in monster blood and water pouring from the ceiling.

I brushed my bangs and looked at the podium.

Surt, the chairman, and other instructors were there.

And many students were watching us fight.

A few seconds later, the chairman applauded with a satisfied expression.

Afterwards, numerous students began clapping and cheering.

Clap clap clap clap—!

The auditorium was filled with applause that made my ears tingle.

Next, the sound of students murmuring was heard.

” That’s ridiculous… Wasn’t that boy an equal opportunity candidate…? But it’s that strong…?“

“Wow… You’re so charismatic… Did you see that technique earlier?“

“Wait a minute… Didn’t you shoot again earlier? Why does the hunter shoot?“

“Is that important? Wow, by the way, they are also skilled… Yes, this is Central Academy…“

Many students are now, at this moment.

They were able to feel what kind of academy they had entered.

Gifted people who are like monsters are gathered in one place.

Even if it is a man who has shown great performance and a student selected through equal opportunity.

This is someone you can never take lightly.

‘Well… I’m not ordinary.’

Look at the other male students trembling on the podium and looking at them.

I felt sorry for putting a burden on them.

‘Well, anyway, it seems like it was resolved well.’

I put the weapons into subspace and walked towards the chairman.

If the entrance ceremony were held this splendidly,

I think I made a very good first impression on her.

An essential ingredient for level 3 awakening.

That item can only be obtained from her…

All that remains is to become closer to the chairman.

And the way to quickly build a relationship with her is,

Only I, who returned alive after regressing, knew.