episode_0038

“Now, I’ll explain the first internship test.”

The group formed, and we each took our seats.

It was time to hear about the test in earnest.

“The content of this group assignment is monster extermination. You will compete directly with the monsters prepared by Cheonjihae, and you will be evaluated on how you exterminated them.”

The content itself was the same as the company entrance exam.

However, this test was set up by Cheonjihae to have us form groups.

These wouldn’t be monsters that could be easily exterminated like last time.

“Of course, we are aware that there are skill differences among the trainees. Depending on their performance, there may be issues with fairness.”

The trainees’ gazes turned to Cheok Jiyeon and Go Juyeong.

For reference, Go Juyeong ended up on a team with the protagonist, Kang Suho, as in the original story.

‘It’s a relief that the butterfly effect didn’t happen.’

I thought something might change because of the last mission.

Fortunately, it seems that this much didn’t have an effect.

“Cheonjihae evaluates the skills of each individual. Also, if we judge that a group has skills above the average, the difficulty will be adjusted.”

In other words, our group’s test content would be a bit tougher.

Well, people like Cheok Jiyeon would cut down most opponents in an instant, so it couldn’t be helped.

But if they set the standard based on Cheok Jiyeon, the other trainees would be pitiful.

‘…I should refrain from using instant death skills this time.’

This time, it was a place to evaluate skills, above all else.

If I ended it in one hit with an instant death skill, there was a possibility of having to take a retest.

I had to avoid using instant death skills unless it was a truly necessary moment.

Of course, I would also have to prepare other combat methods besides ‘instant death skills.’

“I will explain the details while explaining the monster and location you will be exterminating directly.”

As Han Sujin gestured, a video appeared behind her.

“This is where you will take the test, and this is the monster you must defeat.”

The location was basically a vast forest.

It was so large that it would take a considerable amount of time just to run around.

What appeared in the video was a large oni.

From the metal club it was holding to its muscular arms.

It wasn’t an opponent that could be easily defeated at a glance.

“It’s a type of oni with considerable power. Especially for teams expected to be in the upper ranks, it will be that much stronger, so it would be good to be careful.”

The expressions on their faces gradually hardened at Han Sujin’s explanation.

‘This kind of difficulty adjustment wasn’t in the original story.’

Originally, it would have ended with giving some kind of penalty.

Even though there were differences in each person’s skill.

That was because there were no trainees who particularly stood out.

‘…Is this also a butterfly effect caused by me?’

If a monster of that level was even enhanced… I couldn’t be relieved just because I was on a good team.

‘Well, if worse comes to worst, I can pretend to fight properly and use instant death skills.’

Until then, I needed to show a ‘plausible’ battle.

It seemed like I needed to prepare proper means of attack, going beyond simple defensive equipment.

“For reference, simply fighting the monster isn’t the only problem. Finding this monster directly is also included in your test. There is also a time limit, so if you can’t detect it, it will be quite fatal.”

At Han Sujin’s words, dismay spread across the faces of several groups.

They probably expected a combat-oriented test and formed groups composed only of those kinds of people.

They might be able to make a name for themselves as decent exorcists outside.

Unfortunately, the talent that Cheonjihae wanted was above that.

“That concludes the explanation. I will give you a guide to the test rules, so please take a look, and feel free to ask any questions.”

Han Sujin finished the explanation and gave a refreshing smile.

“Fortunately, there is still plenty of time until the test. This is also a place to see how well you prepare for exorcism.”

Exorcism involves many battles that take place on the spot, but there are also many cases where you prepare deliberately and enter an exorcism ritual.

Perhaps this test will also evaluate how much of that preparation ability you have.

‘Depending on the preparation, even if you are weak, it means you have potential.’

It means that even a weak exorcist like me has the opportunity to level up through this test.

In fact, the protagonist in the original story achieves great growth as well.

“Then, everyone, please prepare hard and show us your best. That’s all!”

****

As soon as the explanation was over, the four of us gathered on a bench in Cheonjihae.

It was to hold a rough meeting regarding the internship test.

Regardless of our work, warm sunlight was pouring down outside.

“Well, since our group has such clear specialties, there’s not much to talk about, I guess.”

Yoo Yeonhwa was the first to speak.

“Chief Su and Cheok Jiyeon are the main dealers. I’ll defend from behind. Yoo Eunhye can take on the overall support role.”

“…Why am I included as a main dealer too?”

“What are you talking about? It’s obvious.”

Yoo Yeonhwa looked at me with an expression as if I was talking nonsense again.

“Surely you don’t mean to say that someone who broke my barrier in one go is weak.”

“No, well, if you ask me that, I have nothing to say.”

As I trailed off, Cheok Jiyeon also tilted her head.

“Is there any problem? I don’t want to agree with that barrier user, but I think that’s the right direction.”

Actually, I understand why everyone is saying this.

To others, I would seem like a top-notch exorcist who kills barriers and monsters in one hit.

But the real me is a scrub who can’t even fight properly.

‘I can’t reveal everything about the instant death skill since it’s a secret. But at least I need to point out that I’m not as strong as they think.’

It wasn’t a test to be taken lightly enough to take without even understanding their strengths.

“…Actually, I’m not as strong as you think.”

“What is it? Are you doing the ‘strong but pretending to be weak’ cosplay again?”

Yoo Yeonhwa said as if she was dumbfounded.

Since Yoo Yeonhwa had been severely beaten by me, she would feel that way even more.

“If you’re pretending to be weak, it won’t work on us, you know? We’ve seen it.”

“It’s true. To be exact, I have one strong hit, but I’m a bit weak in sustained combat.”

“Is it a spell with a limit on the number of uses?”

“Similar.”

I nodded at Eunhye’s question.

“…Come to think of it, you only came forward when dealing with powerful enemies.”

Jiyeon also nodded as if she realized something.

“Do you usually gather spirit energy and use it at important moments?”

“That’s right. So it’s not very suitable for ordinary battles.”

It’s hard to tell them the details about the identity and conditions of instant death.

But this much should be fine.

In the first place, the abilities of exorcists vary greatly.

There are surprisingly many exorcists who gather spirit energy and release it at once.

Usually, it’s to compensate for a lack of power, so it’s not that strong even if they do.

“Honestly, I can kill even the oni in that video in one shot.”

“…You can kill a monster of that level in one shot?”

Yoo Yeonhwa made a face as if she was fed up.

There probably aren’t many exorcists in Cheonjihae who can kill a monster of that level in one blow.

“I said it was conditional. Anyway, that’s the problem. My ability doesn’t allow for delicate control.”

“Ah!”

Eunhye, who was quick to understand, made a face as if she knew what I meant.

“It’s a group test, so killing the monster in one shot is meaningless.”

“That’s right. This test will also look at teamwork and preparation. If you kill it in one shot, there’s no test.”

Cheok Jiyeon’s face turned slightly sullen.

“…In the end, we’re just getting in your way.”

“That’s not true. I keep saying that it’s an ability that’s hard to use multiple times.”

I shrugged my shoulders lightly and continued.

“Anyway, that’s why I think I should participate with something other than the ability I usually use.”

“Well, we don’t care as long as you’re okay with it. To be honest, I don’t think anyone here will fail the test.”

Yoo Yeonhwa was right.

Even in the original story, the people here eventually pass the test safely.

‘The biggest problem is me. I’m not sure how I’ll be judged when my weakness is exposed.’

There was also the problem that the test difficulty had increased.

“So how are you going to fight specifically? I’ll tell you in advance. This is a group assignment, but at the same time, the individual evaluation items are also high. It’s cooperation and competition.”

Yoo Yeonhwa said in a firm voice.

“Even if we pass by doing what we’ve always done. It would be a big problem if you fell because of that.”

“Oh, are you worried about me?”

“…Of course. We’re in the same group, after all.”

Yoo Yeonhwa blushed and turned her face slightly.

“I’m trying to learn a new combat method because of that.”

“Wouldn’t it be too late to find it now? I’m worried that you’ll get points deducted for doing it poorly.”

Jiyeon asked with a worried face.

Judging from her reaction, she seemed to be more genuinely worried about my evaluation than her own test.

“It’s okay. I’ve thought of another combat method that I can use quickly.”

“Is there such a method?”

“I’m going to make a contract with a monster.”

Eunhye, who had already contracted with one small familiar, looked at me with surprised eyes.

“If I use a familiar, I can fight regardless of my combat power.”

I had already confirmed that I had talent in the spirit area.

She was able to sense it faster than Yoo Eunhye during the first class.

“…Aren’t you taking it too easy? I don’t think just any monster familiar will work on an oni.”

“Don’t worry. I’m thinking of contracting with a strong monster in its own way.”

I also happened to have some information.

It was time to use the privileges of the possessor after a long time.

In other words, finding opportunities. In other words, NTR.

‘Suho, I’m sorry! But I have to make a living too!’