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[Chapter 125]
[A Chance Arising from Misfortune (2)]
Students taking the bus to Busan Port had to complete missions given once a day.
And it took 4 days to reach Busan Port.
This meant they had to complete a total of three missions, excluding the last day.
"Then we will now begin the first mission!"
Icheon Rest Area, Tongyeong direction.
Students who departed from the academy around lunchtime were only able to get off the bus by evening.
About 60 students got off the bus.
Students were still in shock at the news of going to Japan for the first time in their lives, leaving Korean soil.
Regardless of how they felt, the instructors were diligent in their duties.
"You must be very hungry since you only had a quick lunch with boxed meals. So this time, we'll provide ramen and additional menu items based on your teamwork!"
There was no response from the students.
Nevertheless, Instructor Lee Guk-jong was steadfast.
Meanwhile, Eun-ha looked around at the scenery of the rest area that only maintained the form of a rest area while letting the explanation slip by.
It was a barren field.
There was only road and mountains.
Naturally, the presence of monsters could be felt not far away.
As if welcoming the students who got off at the rest area.
Surely the moment night falls here, monsters will rush in eagerly.
This looks tiring.
To think I have to do this again...
Eun-ha sighed quietly.
The mission wasn't the problem.
Since it's an area where monsters appear, they won't be able to rest comfortably.
They would have to take turns standing guard with their classmates.
It's like there's more besides the mission.
In contrast, students taking the train will spend a relatively comfortable night.
"You know monsters' ferocity doubles at night too. The moment the sky turns completely black, monsters hiding in the mountains will become even stronger."
The first mission was teamwork.
A mission to cooperate with each other to accomplish a single goal.
Students looked at each other and listened to the mission content.
"...The comprehensive evaluation will start from then. What you have to do is very simple. Just protect the two buses you rode here today without any damage."
When dusk falls.
The instructors said they would lure low-rank monsters with light-emitting magic while watching the students' pace.
Students had to protect the buses against monsters swarming under the dark night sky.
No wonder the buses looked unusually clean...
Not even monster blood can splash on them.
Therefore, they had to completely block the monsters' approach.
Students who heard the explanation couldn't help but look daunted.
"Of course, we're not that harsh. I promise you, we'll only call monsters 3 times! I promise we absolutely won't exceed 3 times. And don't worry too much, we'll filter out the really strong ones on our side. The monsters you'll face will only be up to 8th rank, 7th rank!"
Starting with Instructor Lee Guk-jong, the instructors burst into laughter.
They were confident students wouldn't be able to protect the buses without a scratch.
Because many monsters lived in areas beyond the Cocoon's influence, let alone places where civilization hadn't entered.
Just luring monsters once would bring out more monsters than students could handle.
"3 times should be possible... We can do it."
However, what they overlooked was that Eun-ha was here.
Eun-ha calmly muttered while examining the faces of students shrinking at the thought of facing monsters.
And soon after.
Suddenly monsters enthralled by beams of light illuminating the night sky revealed their presence in droves.
☆
Night arrived.
The grass beneath the asphalt road began shaking noisily and beast-like cries echoed from all directions.
"...They're coming."
In fact, monsters had been lurking around for quite a while.
They are beings that crave mana.
There was no way they wouldn't drool over students camping in the middle of a road where people rarely pass by.
Moreover, the instructors deliberately used methods to draw in monsters while knowing this.
"Min-ji, you know right?"
"I'll run around and pay attention to the area around the buses, so you pull aggro well. You handle the monsters that are hard for us to deal with too."
"Okay. Then I'll leave the back to you."
Soon when the instructors set off the signal to move them, the presence they had barely suppressed burst forth.
Sounds of roughly treading the ground while pushing through undergrowth could be heard, while some flaunted their presence coming up the hill road in the darkness.
While 031st grade students didn't know, 31st grade students hardened their faces seeing the monsters swarming in groups.
However, their shrinking back was only momentary.
Cheonbo
Mana Crasher
Eun-ha who was standing on top of the bus quickly jumped down seeing masses crossing through the darkness.
He sprints down the asphalt road.
He lightly jumps over the guardrail, infuses mana into the black thorn, and swings the sword with all his might.
For an instant blue light flashes, and the light leaving the black blade curves like a crescent moon.
"─One down for now."
Eun-ha who killed the monster at the very front grasped the monsters running towards the bus from other directions.
Soon sounds of students clamoring could be heard from up the road.
Nevertheless, he didn't look back and watched the monsters distracted by the blue light he had just manifested.
Cheonbo
Gwangmu
Michim
At some point.
Eun-ha had been feeling as if he had become one with the sword.
It was the same now.
Watching the swarming monsters, he was welcoming this moment rather than feeling fear.
Feeling elation that he could freely unleash power he usually can't properly reveal.
Internal mana has already reached its limit so I can't expect it to increase anymore.
When monsters rushed in from the side, Eun-ha rotated his body halfway and scattered the mana clinging to the sword he had swung.
He dodges attacks coming to his front and jumps into the air to find an escape route.
In just a fleeting moment.
He lowered his body upon landing and ran out almost crawling.
Iljeom Dolpa
Starting from the sword tip, wind currents created a huge drill.
The drill created at the lowest point moved erratically and cut off the monsters' legs.
My base specs are better than before regression.
All that's left is to keep strengthening the body that's reached its limit.
Compared to before regression.
Internal mana increased slightly, but mana control and efficiency increased abnormally.
And the physical body hasn't reached its limit yet.
The body is still growing.
Eun-ha objectively evaluated his condition.
There was still endless potential to become stronger.
Nevertheless, Eun-ha decided not to obsess over the possibility of becoming stronger.
"...Is it because they're low rank? I thought it was finally getting challenging but it's already over."
Excess is as bad as deficiency.
Excessive power can become poison too.
Power he couldn't properly handle was useless.
Hadn't he tried to kill everything in sight while engulfed in madness due to
In that sense, it was fortunate the nameless gift
"...Second."
The second signal went off.
Before the effects from the first signal had even faded.
Eun-ha who killed monsters hiding in the area took a brief rest then moved his body again.
It seemed the instructors were flustered seeing a situation beyond their expectations.
Otherwise there was no way they would set off signals without giving time to rest.
Invisible Tracker
Cheonbo
Iljeom Dolpa
Gwangmu
Eun-ha swung his sword like mad.
Monsters couldn't keep up against him.
Every time his trajectory passed by, surrounding monsters lost their lives.
Burst Counter
The mana residue was extreme.
Eun-ha lured as many monsters as possible and brought down his sword dyed red.
──!!
A huge explosion sound.
The explosion spreading out from him literally blew away the entire area.
Only mana stones dropped as evidence monsters had been on the ground.
Eun-ha who was the only one unharmed since he was at the center of the explosion quickly looked around.
Monsters that had been aiming for him from afar hesitated as they were running.
If you don't come, I'll go.
However, there was no way for them to survive.
If they won't come, he'll just personally go find them.
Eun-ha used Cheonbo to cover a long distance in an instant.
He slaughters the monsters.
"Kyaaaah─!!"
Just then.
A scream was heard from up the hill.
Eun-ha who finally looked back then confirmed monsters that had suddenly appeared from another direction were all rushing towards the bus.
Even using Cheonbo would be too late.
Signals went off in succession.
There was no way students could block all those monsters.
Eun-ha who briefly clicked his tongue was about to return the way he came, leaving the remaining monsters behind.
But even if he used Cheonbo to return, it was too late to protect the bus.
Nevertheless, he had to run.
If only he could use Ubo...
Ubo.
In his previous life, Baek Seo-jin used Ubo to instantly cover very far distances as if teleporting.
It was a divine technique Eun-ha hadn't realized in his previous life.
If only Kaede was here...
Monsters finally attacked the bus.
Eun-ha clicked his tongue seeing students panicking against monsters attacking in groups.
If ranger Hoshimiya Kaede had been here, she surely would have fought well against the swarming monsters.
She was skilled at that kind of combat.
However, instead of her─.
─Bang!
Though it's hard to deal with multiple opponents.
Sniper Bong Gu-rae is here.
Eun-ha discovered Bong Gu-rae lying on top of the bus sniping monsters rushing in from afar.
In a chaotic situation to the point of being disorienting, he was calmly handling dangerous monsters first.
Bullets leaving the large caliber rifle shatter monsters' heads.
"He does well on his own without being taught separately. His aiming for vital points is truly art."
With just one shot.
Bong Gu-rae was killing threatening monsters.
Even if the monsters' ranks were low, even if they were large and easily entered his sights.
It wasn't a skill an sniper who just entered high academy could easily do.
Eun-ha marveled at Bong Gu-rae's skills and was finally able to climb the hill road.
"These things have no fear. You dare try to make my dinner just one pack of ramen?"
Eun-ha who turned the monsters' attention to himself with Burst Counter sneered.
Then he deployed magic.
Stygian Eye
Phantom Eye
Fear in one eye.
Illusion in the other eye.
It was mental magic whose effect increased the more opponents he faced.
☆
Yokohama Jjamppong Group A.
Unlike Group B, Group A could spend comfortable time on the train.
There weren't many missions to speak of.
Students took turns patrolling inside the train at certain times to check for any abnormalities.
So students not performing missions could sit in their seats and enjoy the scenery rushing by from front to back.
Some students bought food from the dining car.
...Why do I feel so self-conscious?
Kang Si-hyeong was the same.
He excitedly ran to the dining car and bought lots of snacks.
He returned to his seat thinking of sharing with friends, then blinked his eyes blankly.
Until just before, there had been some conversation going on.
It seems the conversation cut off after he disappeared.
There wasn't a sound, it was quiet. Since they were sitting facing each other, there seemed to be tension too.
"""..."""
Jung Ha-yang, Yoon I-byeol, Hoshimiya Kaede.
Cha Eun-woo was currently performing a mission.
Kang Si-hyeong sat down and looked at his friends' reactions.
Come to think of it, the three people didn't have many points of contact.
As far as he remembered, the three had never been together without other people.
"Guys! I bought some food, why don't you try some!"
Kang Si-hyeong who had despaired at going to Japan, then revived at taking the train, inwardly sighed.
The group composition was extremely awkward.
So he opened his mouth more cheerfully than usual to refresh the atmosphere.
He had to liven up the mood himself.
However, the three weren't very cooperative.
"I'm okay, I ate a snack earlier."
Ha-yang declined with a bitter smile.
"...I'm fine."
Hoshimiya Kaede who had her arms crossed slightly opened her eyes and refused.
Then she closed her eyes again.
"I-I'm full too..."
Yoon I-byeol shyly expressed her refusal passively.
"Really? Then I guess I have no choice... I'll have to eat it all myself..."
Pretending to be nonchalant.
Kang Si-hyeong spoke as brightly as possible in the awkward atmosphere.
This is so awkward I could die...
It's awkward.
So awkward.
Thinking about sitting still without talking for 3 days, he was more than a little worried.
He just envied Eun-ha who would be riding the bus at a time like this.
Then he recalled a common topic the three would open their mouths for.
"I wonder if Eun-ha is doing well now? He must be doing well since it's Eun-ha, right?"
No Eun-ha.
Kang Si-hyeong finally felt the three's gazes turn to him.
The three showed interest.
He expected conversation to pour out with this.
Whether they badmouthed or praised Eun-ha.
Unfortunately, his expectation was off but.
"He's probably dealing with monsters for the evening mission right now."
Yoon I-byeol kindly answered Si-hyeong's question.
What Eun-ha would be doing now.
Then Jung Ha-yang─.
"─How do you know, I-byeol?"
"Well... I was chatting with Eun-ha until just now."
"..."
As if simply curious.
Jung Ha-yang suddenly asked.
Yoon I-byeol answered the question shyly.
Hoshimiya Kaede just silently stared at her.
"Hmm... so you have private chats with Eun-ha."
"Yes. We're friends. We chat sometimes."
As if making excuses.
Yoon I-byeol lowered her reddened face and protested.
Jung Ha-yang didn't take her gaze off her.
"Well! Is there anyone who doesn't have private chats with Eun-ha!? Right?"
Feeling a prickling in his throat.
Somehow the atmosphere became strange.
Kang Si-hyeong instinctively felt that and cut into the two's conversation.
He spoke laughing haha as if joking, but no one went along with his words.
"...I'll get up now."
Just then.
Kaede got up from her seat to perform a mission.
She escaped with perfect timing.
Kang Si-hyeong wished he could do the same.
I have to spend 4 days with these kids...?
I want to go somewhere and scream.
Kang Si-hyeong openly sighed.
Regardless, the two's conversation continued.
"Come to think of it... Ha-yang, you said you've known Eun-ha since kindergarten right?"
"Yes. Why?"
"What kind of person was Eun-ha in kindergarten? Was he like now... someone who takes good care of others and is cool?"
Yoon I-byeol looking around with a red face.
In contrast, Jung Ha-yang keeping her mouth shut.
Si-hyeong stuck between the two felt like he'd rather take the bus to Japan.
☆
Students who were flustered at first soon got used to dealing with monsters swarming in groups.
Students who rallied around 031st grade students as the core dealt
Above all, Eun-ha joining midway decisively tipped the balance in their favor.
Thus, even when signals went off in succession, students were able to deal with monsters without panicking.
"...Good job everyone. Even active players find it difficult to deal with monsters swarming in groups, I didn't expect you to do this well."
The first mission ended.
Shin Seo-young praised the students on behalf of the other instructors.
Students' faces brightened at the mention of receiving pork.
"But No Eun-ha student."
"Yes?"
Just then.
While students were cheering, she called Eun-ha in a businesslike manner.
He whose name was called approached her and tilted his head.
As if asking why she called him.
Then Shin Seo-young scolded him with a seemingly stern face.
"I understand No Eun-ha student's skills are impressive, but it's better not to do reckless things alone. I've seen many players who died that way."
"Do I look like someone who would..."
"Even the strongest people die countless times from being careless. So don't be too overconfident in your skills, okay? It's more important to fight without getting hurt than to be efficient."
"...Yes."
Like a strict instructor in front of students.
Like a worried teacher when whispering to him alone.
Shin Seo-young sighed and advised him.
Since her words weren't entirely wrong, Eun-ha agreed to some extent.
After briefly conversing with Shin Seo-young, he soon returned to where his friends were to eat dinner.
"Oh my, honey. You came?"
"Eun-ha! I set up the grill!? I did well, right!? Hurry and praise me!"
Bong Gu-rae and Ariel.
The two who played big roles this time.
Eun-ha thanked Gu-rae who sniped monsters and Ariel who spread Min-ji's instructions.
He didn't forget to praise Ariel too.
"But where did Min-ji go?"
Meanwhile, Kim Min-ji was nowhere to be seen.
Eun-ha looked around trying to find her.
"Min-ji? Min-ji went to get water saying she'd boil ramen."
"...What?"
Ariel added.
Eun-ha doubted his ears.
Then she tilted her head as if asking what's wrong.
In contrast, Eun-ha's face hardened.
He soon spoke to Bong Gu-rae with a serious face─.
"─Hey, Bong Gu-rae."
"Yes. What is it honey?"
"Can't we shoot Min-ji too?"
"Huh?"
They still don't know.
Eun-ha sighed seeing the two's reactions.
Just give up on the ramen...
I'll have to eat samgyeopsal.
Eun-ha resolved to protect the meat no matter what.
And he said a silent prayer for Bong Gu-rae and Ariel who would soon taste the ramen.