7. Entering the Training Institute (1)
It’s defective. Anyway, it’s defective!
While this claim might seem ridiculous, it wasn’t completely unfounded.
Over the past few days, Habin had researched the inspection devices, even going through academic papers. Among them was this information:
Occasionally, when using faulty mana stones, they can break.
‘…Though it didn’t say they’d shatter into pieces.’
This only happened occasionally, and only if they were already flawed at the point of shipment. Normally, a proper mana-sensitive stone should withstand up to S-rank.
Fortunately, the official believed Habin’s words.
Since it was a neighborhood health center that rarely used the inspection device, they just accepted it as “I guess so,” and couldn’t imagine it had actually exploded from overload.
“I’ll go take the test somewhere else then!”
Habin, feeling guilty, hurriedly fled and found another inspection center.
‘Inanimate. Let’s go for inanimate. Even if I’m judged as an inanimate object, I’ll take the test as if I’m truly dead.’
Whoosh.
At the next inspection center, Habin controlled her power thinking of just an ant’s tear, no, just the salt crystal within that ant’s tear.
As a result.
“Congratulations. You’re A-rank!”
“Damn it!”
…She received an A-rank.
“These inspection devices must all be wrong! Something’s definitely wrong!”
As Habin despaired, the surrounding staff gave her puzzled looks and patted her shoulder.
“A-Are you okay?”
“A-rank is a high-tier Hunter!”
Of course, their inner thoughts were the opposite. Everyone tilted their heads at the scene.
‘Why on earth is A-rank a problem? Why is this person despairing? Did she think she’d hit S-rank from the start?’
‘Wailing because she got A-rank. Maybe she’s still young and hasn’t gotten over her chuunibyou phase.’
It was like looking at an annoying class valedictorian crying because they missed one question and couldn’t get a perfect score. With such pitying gazes.
“Ah, no…”
Amidst all this, only Habin was gloomy.
◆◇◆◇◆
“A-rank, I’m finished… Goodbye, farewell my happy bed life.”
[What on earth is the problem? Isn’t this well-hidden enough?]
Habin, cooped up in her room, was wistfully saying goodbye to her blanket. Watching this, Ahezar asked in confusion.
“……”
Habin raised her head with a haggard face. Strictly speaking, she had avoided the worst-case scenario. If SS-rank or above had appeared, it would have been perfect for arousing suspicion from others.
There are only 5 SSS-ranks worldwide, 50-ish SS-ranks, and 500-1000 S-ranks.
With such small numbers, they receive too much public attention whenever one appears. With so few people, detailed rankings could be easily tracked if one wanted to.
So, if Habin had received SS-rank or above.
‘Huh? They say a new SS-rank Hunter appeared, but why hasn’t the ranking changed? Why hasn’t everyone moved down a spot?’
Someone would surely become suspicious. It would have been troublesome.
That’s why A-rank was much better.
From A-rank, the number of people increases sharply, making it perfect for blending in. There are many stateless individuals among them. So it’s difficult to accurately grasp their rankings and numbers. It’s a section where rankings frequently change, allowing one to avoid suspicion.
It was the Maginot Line of anonymity, barely secured.
“But there’s still no freedom. A-rank has even less freedom…”
Habin picked up the fluttering official document.
…New Hunter Training Guide…
This was the problem. The real problem.
“B-rank and above all have to go to the training institute. If you don’t go, it’s straight to jail…”
Damn it. This is why I shouted for C! C! Ceeee!
From C-rank, you could comfortably take online training in the warmth of your room. But from B-rank, you’re considered a mid-to-high tier Hunter, so only face-to-face training is allowed. At least a month of dormitory life.
“To think I have to stay out overnight, leaving this nice home… And at the training institute, I’ll have to do all sorts of things to hide my power? It’s bleak, so bleak.”
C-rank. My wannabe rank is saying goodbye forever… Farewell, C. I’ll miss you, C…
As Habin smacked her lips with a still regretful expression, Ahezar shouted beside her.
[Oh! They’re gathering high-level ability users for training! Isn’t this truly a proper country!]
“Oh C… Jaljal, you should really immigrate to our country if you’re reborn. Make videos saying Korea is great and upload them to YouTube, eat spicy stir-fried chicken noodles and stuff. Why do you always say Korea does things well…”
Just then, as Habin was crouching dejectedly.
Ding.
Her phone rang.
Class President Kim Jiyeon
Shouldn’t we have our class reunion soon?
It was a message she hadn’t received in a very long time.
Eunseol High School Year 1 Class 7 group chat.
Habin had dropped out of high school even before the first year ended. Due to the Gate incident, many others besides Habin had also left.
Yet Class 7 had been holding reunions every year for five years. Far from disbanding, it was thriving and strong every year.
There was a special reason for this.
Ding ding.
Treasurer An Sewon
We should
But
Will Kang Taeseo come this time?
Class President Kim Jiyeon
Kang Taeseo?
‘…This topic again.’
Kang Taeseo.
As soon as that name appeared, the chat room became a cauldron of chaos and excitement.
Sunny
Is Kang Taeseo coming?!??!?
Really?
Class President Kim Jiyeon
Come on, how busy do you think Taeseo is…
Jiseop
Kang Taeseo!
Taeseo’s coming? For real?
Treasurer An Sewon
Hey, I didn’t say he’s coming, I just asked;;
Gangmulbit
Kang Taeseo’s coming?
Treasurer An Sewon
Ah, read the above messages
Jaehun
TS cming?
Treasurer An Sewon
FFS
The chat room exploded just from the mention of Kang Taeseo’s name.
The reason the chat room has been going strong for 5 years, the reason they still have gatherings.
It was all because of the incredibly hot global influencer ‘Kang Taeseo’.
[Kang Taeseo? What’s so special about this human that he’s so popular?]
Ahezar asked curiously.
Habin turned on the monitor and displayed a photo. On the screen, a black-haired man with cold eyes was looking this way.
“Kang Taeseo, this guy is the number one ranked Hunter in our country. The first and only SSS-rank in Korea.”
The greatest output from Eunseol High Year 1 Class 7!
In fact, Hyun Siwoo was the first SSS-rank in Korea, but that was information unknown to the general public.
In the end, Kang Taeseo was Korea’s representative Hunter, holding both the world’s 2nd rank and Korea’s 1st rank.
Do you know Taeseo Kang? Do you know Kang Taeseo? Just a national Hunter. Korea’s pride, celebrity of celebrities.
[Hooh.]
“Wow, looks like he did another photoshoot while I haven’t seen him.”
Habin muttered indifferently.
‘It really feels like times have changed. Back in high school, he was just the guy sitting behind me, sharing novels with me.’
It seemed he had grown a lot taller and received good management in the time she hadn’t seen him. To Habin, who remembered his past appearance, it was very unfamiliar.
Moreover, Kang Taeseo received many calls from the entertainment industry due to his uniquely cool appearance and physique. Even walking down the street, you could often see his photoshoots plastered on buildings, but from the perspective of his former classmate Habin.
“…Ah, it really makes me shy. Seriously.”
Describe the feeling of constantly seeing the face of an out-of-touch acquaintance on the street… Answer. It’s very awkward if you make eye contact alone.
They hadn’t contacted each other one-on-one since she dropped out. To be precise, Habin had deliberately avoided contact.
Ding ding. Ding ding ding!
Of course, the chat room was still exploding with messages looking for Kang Taeseo.
In the end, everyone stays in this group chat and eagerly holds meetings in hopes that Kang Taeseo might participate once someday. Since Kang Taeseo hasn’t left the group chat, they think he must be reading everything.
“These guys, they used to subtly look down on Kang Taeseo for being quiet when we were in school… Look at how they’ve changed their tune.”
Habin muttered, seemingly displeased.
“Why are they only looking for Kang Taeseo and not me? I haven’t attended for 5 years either.”
Ahezar chimed in as if he had been waiting for this.
[Indeed, humans only recognize success. If you revealed your identity right now, they would all be clinging to your coattails!]
“…I don’t need that!”
Habin exclaimed and casually tapped on her phone. For the past 5 years, Habin couldn’t attend the reunions every year due to her part-time jobs. Now that she didn’t have those jobs, she had the luxury to go.
“…They say the world is going to end, so I should see their faces at least once before that. Well.”
I’m coming this time.
The casually thrown message was quickly pushed up by the other classmates’ messages.
Habin sighed, “Eh,” and covered herself with the blanket again.
…Unaware of the consequences that small message would bring.
◆◇◆◇◆
“Ah… I really don’t want to go. If only this was just a fine, I could have just paid the money and been done with it.”
[You’re already late! Hurry up and move!]
“There was no clause saying not to be late. So I’ll go as late as possible…!”
On the day of entering the Hunter training institute.
Habin was slowly pulling her carrier at a turtle’s pace.
“I’m not going to be a Hunter, so why do I have to receive training? This is a waste of tax money, a waste.”
As a rule, national coffers should be saved. While Habin was worrying about the future of the country’s money, someone approached from behind.
“Are you the new trainee coming in this time?”
Habin turned around abruptly. It was an unfamiliar face. Who is this to speak informally at first meeting?
It’s only natural to return informal speech with informal speech.
“…Yeah, who are you?”
“Nice to meet you.”
But the other person didn’t seem to read her wariness. A man who approached very naturally. Seeing him wearing a hood covering his head…
‘This guy smells very suspicious!’
Habin stepped back sharply. He held up what looked like an ID card hanging from a lanyard, as if to reassure her.
“Ah, no. I’m one of the mentors coming to the training institute this time. Um… Is it heavy? Should I help you with your carrier?”
Mentor? He looks quite young.
“No thanks.”
Habin lifted her carrier with a jerk and strode up the stairs.
One must not ignore a strength stat of 2,140. The slow dragging of the carrier was all just an act for reasonable lateness!
Seeing her steps extending smoothly and swiftly, the hooded man secretly swallowed a laugh.
◆◇◆◇◆
“Why are you late?”
Under the training instructor’s disapproving gaze, Habin put on a very regretful expression.
“I set the alarm carefully, but it didn’t ring, so…”
Of course, it was a lie!
The alarm rang perfectly well. In fact, Habin woke up early, watched one more episode of the drama she had been putting off with a solemn heart, and said a tearful goodbye to her bed.
Moreover, she had even stuffed her carrier with Apple series devices to ensure her quality of life throughout the training.
“I see… Then Hyun Habin-ssi is the last one. Since the schedule starts in the afternoon anyway, there’s no particular penalty. Everyone is having lunch now, so you can join the afternoon schedule after you eat, Habin-ssi.”
‘Lunchtime, what great timing.’
She immediately headed to the cafeteria. She was feeling a bit hungry after coming all this way. Just as she had filled her tray with food and sat down at a table.
Thud.
Someone naturally sat down across from her.
There are plenty of other seats, why here of all places.
‘Who on earth is disturbing my happy solo meal!’
When Habin raised her head abruptly, she saw a familiar face. It was the suspicious hooded figure from the entrance. Habin quickly put up a wall.
“There’s someone sitting there.”
“Oh, is there?”
“Yeah. My friend’s seat.”
“Friend? You already made a friend? Who?”
Habin briefly considered what lie to tell, but feeling bothered, she just answered casually.
“There is. Anyway, there is. That’s my friend, Kim Jaljal’s seat.”
[Me? My seat? Was it my seat?!]
Ignoring Ahezar’s flustered question, Habin scrutinized the other person.
Perhaps taking her words as a joke, the hooded man’s mouth corners were twitching as he tried to hold back laughter.
‘What is it? Why are you laughing?’
“We meet again, nice to see you.”
“……”
Habin didn’t respond. Seeing that he had come into the cafeteria, it seemed the man’s claim of being a ‘mentor’ here wasn’t a lie. Above all, the indirect message she had been hearing since earlier.
[The constellation ‘Nearest Light’ is observing you with interest.]
‘…I’m screwed.’
Nearest Light.
There are only two people in South Korea with this constellation. They’re the highest-ranked individuals who caused a stir as the world’s first joint contract.
‘If it’s the male one among them… Ah, I hope it’s not that person I know.’
Just as Habin was frowning, someone bumped into the man from behind. With that collision, as if on cue, the man’s hood slipped off slightly.
Swish.
“……”
Bright golden-brown hair was revealed under the black hood.
Golden hair shimmering like a halo. This was the reason he had worn the hood.
Clang!
Someone who noticed this dropped their spoon while eating. Following that, gasps of surprise could be heard from here and there.
“Gasp!”
“Ch-Chae Jiseok!”
“Why is Chae Jiseok here!”
Chae Jiseok.
Ranked 3rd domestically, SS-rank ranker and vice guild master of the large guild ‘Solaris’.
His trademark was the passive skill ‘Radiance of the Sun’ which gave his hair a golden tint, so everyone in the cafeteria recognized him.
Reactions full of excitement and cheers. But Habin.
‘…Damn it. It really was Chae Jiseok. Why the hell is this bastard here?’
Unlike the people crowding around excitedly, Habin broke out in a cold sweat, looking troubled.