episode_0033

Inside the mobile barracks installed at the entrance to the basin. Several professors were sitting around a table.

They were talking about various things to relieve their boredom. Although they are dispatched to lead and supervise students, there is no need to be on high alert at all times.

Anyway, the basic principle is non-interference in what happens in the basin, and even if a slight accident occurs, even their parents will not bat an eye.

The only thing they prepare for is emergency situations.

“So, Professor Moon, who do you think will take first place?”

Professor Kwon Chan-yeol, who had a ponytail with an insincere look, turned his head and asked. At this, a woman with short hair and an elegant appearance covered her mouth and laughed lightly.

“Hehe, where do I have that kind of insight…? Still, if I had to choose… Seungheon is also quite… ”

“Phew, are you already showing favoritism to your nephew as your son-in-law? It would be a bit disappointing if other students heard this.”

Professor Kwon grinned. In addition to being from a prestigious family, she was also the aunt of Moon Yeo-ul, a freshman. So, he seemed to care about Ryu Seung-heon, his nephew’s fiancé.

“Ryu Seung-heon is also an outstanding talent. However, from what I see, both Woojin and Ye-seo seem more likely.”

“Ah, those kids have great skills too. By the way, how did these items appear in succession for two years?”

Seon-kyung Moon nodded at the words of Noh Jong-ha, the arrogant-looking, mustachioed professor who was sitting across from her.

Kwon Chan-yeol didn’t like him very much. Professor Noh was notorious for implicitly discriminating against students with poor background.

It could be said to be even more vicious in the sense that it was maintained at a level that was barely within the bounds of the law.

“… Okay, then who is our Professor Shin?”

Professor Kwon turned his head to the healthy, beautiful woman sitting next to him. Shin Jae-yu, a training and magic combat professor, was wearing light sportswear today as well.

Shin Jae-yu, who was lost in thought for a moment, finally opened his mouth.

“Um… I think Yoo Jin-hyeon also has a lot of potential… No, actually, I think this is the most likely… ”

At Shin Jae-yu’s words, Noh Jong-ha across from him showed a not very good expression.

“… Professor Shin still needs to develop a better eye for people. When I saw him, he was… ”

“… ”

Although he could not confront them openly due to the difference in age, Professor Shin spoke lightly and did not hide his uncomfortable feelings.

A talented person who is believed to finally achieve the family’s long-cherished desire: the Black Flame. Jinye Book of the Baekgwang Jin family.

Ryu Seung-heon, successor to the Okgye Ryu clan, the owner of Dyne Heavy Industries, which supplies standard particle arrays and various equipment to Cradle. Of course, his skills are also outstanding.

Woojin Choi of the Seongsan Choi family is from a famous family of circulatory system strengthening magic and has already continued the tradition in dozens of unofficial duels despite being a freshman. More than half of the opponents were upperclassmen.

This year’s new students at Cradle were particularly numerous with outstanding talents and backgrounds.

The students whose names were just mentioned could be said to be the representatives.

Although they did not match the overwhelming skills and charisma of last year’s two players, considering the recent chaos, it was nothing short of a blessing.

However, even among them, he is the first student to be considered a particularly heterogeneous being. Jinhyeon Yoo.

The fact that he had been recommended by Mr. Heukryeon Sa for the first time in 18 years had become quite a topic of discussion among students, but now he was being treated quite delicately.

His unique appearance, always wearing a mask, and his unsociable and solo-oriented personality were cited as the reasons behind this, but the biggest reason was the rumor that he had an open confrontation with Baek Seo-yeon, the most popular person in Cradle.

And it is widely rumored that Professor Noh Jong-ha receives support from the Paecheon Baek clan, with whom the Sa clan is not on good terms.

In a way, it was natural that he did not think very favorably of Yu Jin-hyeon.

“Theoretical scores are average, and the amount of particles in the body barely exceeds 3000 rubin… At least it’s better to use your body.”

Professor Noh said as he looked through Yoo Jin-hyeon’s academic records.

“This guy achieved the 5th rank in his prediction? No matter how you look at it, isn’t its credibility a bit questionable? I think you should seek counseling again… ”

“Professor Noh. Please refrain from speaking. You probably know that Cradle cannot interfere with each family’s unique magic. All we teach is general purpose magic that is open to the public. Consultation is only consultation… ”

“Who doesn’t know that? This is because achievements may be inflated for no reason and may create a sense of disharmony among students. Actually, I don’t like the idea of this guy in the cradle… ”

“The words are too harsh… !”

“Stop, stop!”

Just as Professor Shin Jae-yu was about to get angry, another person who had been sitting at the head of the table sipping a cup of tea in silence could not hold back any longer and intervened. It was Professor Song Daewon, a handsome man wearing tight-fitting clothes and a monocle over one eye.

“What kind of disgraceful behavior is this between professors who should be role models for students? Aren’t you embarrassed? Huh?”

When the person with the most experience among those present stepped forward, the situation was soon resolved.

Instead of a friendly atmosphere, the place was filled with desolate silence.

“Well, but… Is it really okay? Even though there was a request from the Supreme Council… Still, the first test is a practice in a place like this… ”

Professor Sun-kyung Moon brought up another topic to change the mood.

“It’ll be okay. We have complete control over the northern sector. Moreover, dangerous species have long been driven deep into the basin.”

“That’s right. Moreover, it was clearly confirmed that even the antennae snake went into hibernation not long ago. If it weren’t for that observation, Haewolhwa probably wouldn’t have given permission.”

Professor Kwon, who sensed the intention, was asked to speak out by Professor Daewon Song.

The antennae snake was a specially designated magical beast species that inhabited the Sky Basin, and its territory was so vast that it easily exceeded half of the basin. Also, due to its risk, a separate identification name was given and continuous tracking and observation were continued.

If it had been active, the exam for new students would not have been held, but the antennae snake was currently hibernating deep in the basin.

The researchers’ opinion was that it was an attempt to alleviate the overload caused by the massive particles contained in the body.

“Once a high-ranking demon beast enters hibernation, it becomes extremely insensitive to external stimuli. Unless a very strong wave of interference occurs nearby, it is unlikely to happen at this point.”

High-ranking magical beasts are more sensitive to particles than wizards. The size of the gland is several times larger, and of course the particle mass level in the body is also incomparably higher.

To wake up such a magical beast from hibernation, you would have to hit it with a stimulus that far exceeds that number at once, but in the first place, it was an impossible task for humans.

“True… Nothing special should happen… ”

Professor Moon Seon-kyung muttered in a worried voice.

***

From the outside, it didn’t look much different from an ordinary forest, but the vegetation in the Sky Basin showed its true colors the deeper you went.

The trees were so huge that it took three adults holding hands to surround them. The leaves and fallen leaves were a dull mixture of brown and purple rather than a fresh green color, and strange-looking ferns that had never been seen even in the outskirts were sprouting up here and there.

Occasionally, you could see slime that looked like a human-sized mollusk passing by, and it was also common to see huge carnivorous plants that could fit a small car.

The particles emitted from the meteorite seemed to be having a twisting effect on all life here.

” Hey, to be honest, I was skeptical at first, but you really have amazing skills.”

Muyoung muttered as he looked at me replacing the cartridge of a blade dulled by blood and fat.

“Of course, I have a discerning eye. I knew it would be like this.”

In front of me lay a pile of corpses from a medium-sized group of Rufus who had attacked us. I plunged the blade into each corpse’s mouth and took out each molar as a token.

“You seem to be quite skilled at dealing with magical beasts. Have you ever dealt with one before? I don’t think even the professors showed such movement.”

“… I’ve only dealt with it a few times. And it’s also thanks to you letting me know in advance through the spirit. If I hadn’t known the beast’s movements in advance, I wouldn’t have been able to defeat it so easily.”

“Puhuhuh. I guess I’m just being carried along. Thank you, leader.”

I didn’t say anything in particular. A person can never defeat a demonic beast in the skill of killing its presence in the forest.

If we had known that fact after we were already surrounded, it would have been difficult to kill them as cleanly and easily as we did now.

“… Am I the leader?”

Muyoung let my doubts flow away as naturally as flowing water.

“Wasn’t it obvious? But Captain, the sun seems to be setting now. What are you going to do? Shall we go back to the safe zone for a moment?”

As I followed Muyoung’s chin movements, I saw the bright red sun setting over the cliffs surrounding the basin.

Usually moving at night is not a good option, but I want to waste less time if possible.

Moreover, there are many types of witches who are active at night, so you can get additional points by killing them. Thanks to the existence of the spiritist, we can detect suspicious movements around us in advance to some extent.

“I think I’ll just go for now, how about it?”

“If the captain says let’s go, shouldn’t we follow him?”

Muyoung shrugged his shoulders.

“Good. So let’s keep moving. If you feel like it’s going to be too much, just take a break. If you are having a hard time, please tell me.”

After reaching a conclusion, we started moving again. The group of demonic beasts I had defeated earlier must have been the dominant species in this area, so I was able to go out on the road without any risk of attack for a while.

We slowly made our way along the path that the animals walk between the high and low hills.

The unique topography of the basin prevented the fog and clouds from escaping, and all that was left around us was a landscape that felt like we were walking through clouds.

“… So what I’m saying is that men shouldn’t be too influenced by women.”

Once we met each other, Muyoung was surprisingly talkative.

He must have been bored because he couldn’t find anything when he looked around with the spirit, so he kept saying various things to himself even when I didn’t show any reaction.

“Now times have changed. Actually, I don’t really understand the kids who came to the social gathering. Does it make sense to squeal like he’s going to give you something just because a senior you don’t know well treats you kindly? You think so too, right? That’s why it came out so crooked.”

There was nothing I could say to answer. It was a short time, but I got the impression that Muyoung didn’t really like women.

“I feel like I will take out everything, including my liver and gallbladder. What if a better man appears? They change it because they think it’s good. Isn’t this so unfair?”

“… ”

“Why do men always take this risk? The answer is simple. That damn animal instinct turned us into monkeys… Wait.”

Muyoung, who had been talking excitedly for a while, suddenly stopped walking and closed his mouth. Then he whispered quietly in a low voice.

“… Something is running towards me from 3 o’clock. It’s not that far away. Looking at the speed, I think we’ll meet up soon.”

I held the handle of the blade I wore around my waist and prepared to pull it out at any time.

“… What is it?”

“… I don’t know. Because it is night and there is a lot of fog, visibility is difficult. First of all, there is only one number.”

Is it a magical beast that acts alone? Earth dragon? Land leech? We stopped moving and hid ourselves to prepare for any emergency.

Before long, I too could feel something moving. It was the moment when the presence was just around the corner. I took out my blade. And just as I was about to take the picture.

“Aaaaa!!”

The monster I encountered hit its back and let out a strange scream. Just like a person… for a moment. Butt? scream?

Now that I think about it, it sounds somewhat familiar. It’s definitely a voice I’ve heard often. I remained alert and approached the spot where the monster had collapsed.

And I was able to immediately recognize its identity without difficulty.

“… Yes?”

***

“Tongue, tongue, tongue, Hyuna… ? it’s you… ?”

Yena collapsed on the floor and muttered in a tearful voice. I was so trembling that I couldn’t even say my name properly. His bright, rabbit-like eyes were full of water.

It looks like it has wandered from somewhere, as its body is covered in twigs and vines.

The backpack Yena was carrying seemed to have been lost, as if she had lost her luggage.

“… Hmm… I’m glad I met Hyeon… I thought I was going to die like this… ”

Jena was relieved to see me and just melted in her seat.

“Hyuna… But by any chance, where is this…? ? Or maybe you’re lost too… ”

“… That’s not right. And this is about halfway along the western path… ”

“West… Route… ? I started from the center… ”

“… ”

Yena, who said she would try to do something on her own, seems to have lost her way after wandering around a lot.

However, our route is an area densely populated with demonic beasts. How did Yena overcome those dangers alone?

Although she was much better than me in theory, Yena had a peculiar quirk and was not very good at using her body.

“Massu… ? I didn’t see a single one… I had no idea that was why I came to the west… I’m so glad… If I had met him alone, I would probably have cried… ”

“… ”

I guess I must have dragged all the magical beasts around here. Although it was a bit unfair, it was fortunate that Yena was safe.

If I had gotten hurt, I would have had no choice but to get the lowest score…

“… Anyway, I’m glad nothing major happened. So what are you going to do now?”

“So… What do we do… Coming via the western route wasn’t the original plan… ”

Yena looked slightly sad, as if she was in pain.

“Then how about going with me now?”

“Huh? Well, I like it, but… If you say you’ll try it on your own and come back, you’ll be in disgrace… ”

“That’s it. I don’t really care. Then we go together, right?”

“Uh… huh… Hehe, I understand. Actually, I was a little scared because I was walking alone… he… ”

Yena smiled sheepishly. She is like the first friend I made in the cradle. There’s no harm in helping out if you can afford it.

“Then come this way. I have a new group of people to go with. Let me introduce you.”

“Uh… party? Are you a woman… ?”

“He’s a man. Why?”

“Oh, no… he… ”

I led Yena back to the place where Muyoung was hiding. When I gave the promised signal twice, Muyoung emerged from his hiding place and walked out of the fog.

“It looks like you handled it well… Huh?”

Muyoung, seeing Yena hesitantly, made a questioning sound.

“… He wasn’t a witch, he was my friend. I’m thinking of going together in the future, what do you think?”

“… ”

At first, I thought she would answer willingly, but when Muyoung saw Yena, he looked like he didn’t like something.

“… ?”

Muyoung’s expression became increasingly hard. In the end, I put my hand on my head as if I had a headache.

“Hey… that… Nice to meet you?”

Yena, seeing this inexplicable behavior, hesitated and spoke.

“… ”

“My name is Hayena… ”

“… Phew, I tried my best to hold it in, but I really couldn’t hold it in.”

“… Huh?”

Muyoung suddenly intervened and cut off what he was saying. Then he spoke with a determined expression.

“… I’m really sorry and I know it’s rude, but can I ask just one question?”

“Ugh… ? Well, what is it… ?”

“How many men have you had in your life so far?”