nChapter 41-42: Group Training

nExactly one week after the audition.

nThe day after the results were announced, I ordered Devil Hunters to convene.

n‘There is a wide assortment in the group.’

nI looked at Krasla and the six people gathered in front of the guild house early in the morning and nodded.

nFour of them were new. They were new hires who passed the recruitment.

nThere was a reason I gathered them so quickly after the successful candidates were announced. It was possible due to the work I did in advance.

nAll four of the Awakened were on the verge of failing until I gave them high scores It was natural for them to follow me into Devil Hunters. Although it was only temporary.

nThis wasn’t a bad thing for them either.

n“Captain-nim. Yoo Eun-hye and Lee Ji-hye…ah, no, what should I call you?”

nOne of the four temporary members said. He was Kim Chun-won.

nA bard with a title regarding cursing.

nNow he was in his mid-twenties but his mouth couldn’t stop cursing.

n“Come.”

nBut I didn’t answer and shook my head.

nAlong with Yoo Eun-hye and Lee Ji-hye, I had the required tournament criteria of 8 people.

nI would win the championship with an assortment of people.

nFurthermore, the tournament had a significant scale according to Kim Yong-woo. It was the introduction of the first ever rankings and each Awakened had a chance to earn some merits.

nIf so, I needed to be on top. It would be easier to obtain good Awakened if I was known as the strongest in South Korea.

nVictory was quite important but I couldn’t reveal everything. There needed to be an emphasis on human capabilities. I needed to obtain the title of the strongest but I couldn’t move in a manner impossible for humans.

n“Captain-nim!”

nAs expected, it took less than 3 minutes for two women to talk to him.

nYoo Eun-hye and Lee Ji-hye.

nAt the same time, the four new member swallowed their saliva. Yoo Eun-hye had a youthful cuteness while Lee Ji-hye was an intellectual beauty.

nIt was no wonder why the men gazed at the rare beauties.

nYoo Eun-hye ran over and lightly hugged me with tears in her eyes.

nJjirak! Jjirak!

nI could feel electric currents. Yoo Eun-hye’s passive was triggered.

nNow it didn’t even tickle me. I had the Lightning God Technique. Although Lightning God was sleeping, the power was still dwelling inside my body.

nYoo Eun-hye’s passive output wasn’t higher than the power in my blood.

n“I knew you were alive!”

nYoo Eun-hye wiped her eyes on my suit.

nI had gone back and forth to the dungeon with Yoo Eun-hye many times. Maybe it was because I wasn’t affected by her passive but she carelessly revealed her emotions.

n“Welcome back.”

nLee Ji-hye also made a welcome expression. It seemed like she hadn’t slept as her makeup hid dark circles.

n“How have you been doing?”

n“Well.”

n“First let’s move to a different place.”

nThe eight people needed to gather power.

nI forcibly removed Yoo Eun-hye and led them to a pre-reserved cafe.

n* * *

nA luxurious cafe located on the 2nd floor of a building.

nThere was a large table in the centre where eight people were sitting. On the table were cups of coffee or drinks and homemade cakes.

nHe had reserved it for the whole day so including the owner of the cafe, there were only nine people present.

nExcept for the owner, the other people were the members of Devil Hunters.

n“Ya, as expected of Captain-nim! You are really different!”

nKim Chun-won quivered and made a fuss.

nIn contrast, Yoo Eun-hye, Lee Ji-hye and Krasla’s reactions were calm. It was only renting the cafe.

nAfter the turmoil subsided, I said coldly.

n“I think there will be many questions. But first, you guys have joined due to the ranking competition. And of course, I don’t expect a lot from you.”

nYoo Eun-hye had been trained by entering the dungeon but this time there were four new members. They were tools to fill the insufficient numbers……

nWhat could I expect from those that would be used once and then thrown away?

nOf course, their potential was higher than average or they had special skills or titles. If the Devil Hunters were needed for an emergency raid then they would join. They could also fill in the numbers for regular raids.

nAfter watching for a bit, I would decide based on the result whether to temporarily include them or not. Even after the competition was over, there would be a variety of people I could use for temporary work.

nThe excellent ones could be formally adopted as members but I honestly had no great expectations.

nOne of the new hires frowned like he was chewing **.

n“Captain-nim. Aren’t your words too severe?”

n“You will regret it. We each have our own rhythm as Awakened.”

nComplaints poured out from the new hires.

nYoo Eun-hye and Lee Ji-hye knew my skills to some extent so they kept their mouths shut.

n“You would have already been dropped if it wasn’t for me.”

n“……”

nThe new hires stared dumbly.

nI talked with a cold smile.

n“However, you can’t just participate using the name of Devil Hunters. You should have basic skills. Starting from tomorrow, I will train you for 3 weeks. This is a confirmed issue and can’t be avoided.”

nThe inside of the cafe was quiet.

n“It won’t be that.”

nI sipped an Americano while enjoying the aroma.

nThey had decided to participate but there was no hurry.

nIt was enough if only Krasla and I participated. Both of our skills would be acknowledged but the entire group Devil Hunters needed to be recognized. It was necessary to make sure the rest of the members were moderately trained.

nI put down my cup.

nThen Lee Ji-hye who had been looking at me asked.

n“Captain-nim. Can you roughly describe the ranking competition?”

nIt wasn’t a big deal if I told them so I opened up.

n“The ranking competition itself is simple. Eight people in a raid group are gathered to fight the opponent. Depending on the results, we will be given a ranking. But this ranking competition isn’t just limited to Heaven’s Will. Famous guilds will be participated so this will have an influence on the future rating of the Awakened in South Korea.”

nGulp!

nThe expressions of the new recruits changed. It was the first time they heard about the ranking competition involving other famous guilds.

n“…We will unconditionally win.”

nLee Ji-hye determined the contents of my words and said with a sigh.

n“By the way, who is the person next to Captain-nim?”

nYoo Eun-hye who had been watching quietly asked about Krasla. They wondered about the man with black skin.

n“Krasla will train you. His primary weapon is a spear but he can use other battle techniques.”

n“It is good to meet you. I am Krasla.”

nKrasla spoke for the first time.

nThe eyes of the members widened. It was surprising to hear Korean spoken in that voice. Dark elves often had a beautiful voice and Krasla did as well.

n“Wah! You have an amazing voice!”

nYoo Eun-hye spoke her honest opinion.

n“Are you sure of his skills? He seems to be lacking spirit!”

nBut voice didn’t have anything to do with capabilities.

nKim Chun-won shrugged.

nKrasla seemed quite thin. This was also the nature of the dark elves. Even if they exercised, they wouldn’t gain muscles. Krasla didn’t budge. He continued sitting silently like a stone statue.

nI just laughed.

n“You will see tomorrow.”

nHe wouldn’t be able to say such words after a day.

nOne million copies of Kim Chun-won couldn’t even compare to one Krasla.

nI had time to relax after that statement. The atmosphere quickly became harmonious with occasional laughter.

nBut my ears could already hear their screams.

n* * *

nA pension in Ganwong-do, Chuncheon.

nBehind the blue mountains and rippling river existed a well-appointed open air training ground for Devil Hunters.

nEveryone cried out ‘Wow!’ from the clean air and vast nature as they slept overnight. But that good time passed quickly.

nThe moment they changed into comfortable clothes, their hell began.

nKrasla greeted the new members while holding a red spear!

nHe said with no expression.

n“Bring out your weapons.”

n“What did you say?”

nKim Chun-won was a bard but he had a dagger at his waist and the other members also brought out their weapons.

n“First I will see your skills. And any person that manages to hurt me will be excluded from training in the future!”

n“You! What a ridiculous guy.”

nKim Chun-won licked his dagger with his tongue. He was feigning an evil impression. The action was meant to intimidate.

nOf course, Krasla was still expressionless.

n“Don’t get excited. As Captain-nim pointed out, your capabilities are insignificant. First of all, I’ll check the magic……”

nLee Ji-hye calmly analyzed the situation. Then all of a sudden, Kim Chun-won took off his jacket and rushed forward with madness in his eyes.

n“You cocky bastard! I will kill you, you **er!”

nHe sliced all around the upper body!

nKim Chun-won used the momentum.

nHis first performance of licking the dagger seemed to have failed. But he couldn’t see the body anymore. He hadn’t expected it after rushing with the dagger.

nHowever, he didn’t know about Krasla’s strength.

nPpak!

n“Keheok!”

nKim Chun-won spun 360 degrees and fell to the floor. Krasla had struck him hard in the legs.

n“Don’t get excited……”

nLee Ji-hye sighed.

nKrasla moved fiercely like a hurricane.

n“Get ready everyone! Water Sphere!”

nChwahak!

nHer occupation was a water magician.

nWater flew from Lee Ji-hye’s staff and smashed into Krasla.

nThe remaining three members attacked with their weapons but it was already one step too late.

nPpak! Ppak! Ppak!

nThe sound of popping occurred three times until only Krasla and Lee Ji-hye were standing.

nIt happened in the blink of an eye! An overwhelmingly ridiculous situation.

nLee Ji-hye had a bemused expression before she laughed and lay down her staff.

n“I surrender.”

nAt the same time, there was one person missing.

n‘She is needed. Where has she gone?’

nThe captain had gone somewhere separately with Yoo Eun-hye. At this moment, Lee Ji-hye felt envious.

nThen Krasla looked at Lee Ji-hye and clicked his tongue.

n“You can’t do that!”

n* * *

nAt the same time.

nI was at the foot of a valley with Yoo Eun-hye.

n“The water is clear. Captain-nim, take a look at this.”

nYoo Eun-hye enthusiastically watched the water bubbling in the water.

nShe would receive training with the members but something needed to be done first.

nRight now she couldn’t control the passive skill ‘Electric Current (N)’. I wondered if it was possible with the Lightning God Technique.

nAdditionally, the valley was very rich in lightning attribute.

nUsually more than 3 sides of the valley were blocked so there were many cases of the energy emitted from a lightning storm being trapped. There was a high probability that I could find the answer here.

nThe residual lightning energy in the valley would have a synergy effect.

n“Yoo Eun-hye. We didn’t come here to play.”

n“Hik! I understand! But why did you only take me?”

nYoo Eun-hye smiled and playfully asked.

nThere were multiple occasions of hunting in the dungeon but there was no sign of that this time.

nI spoke like it wasn’t a big deal.

n“From now on, you will see your passive skill Electric Current.”

n“I have a passive skill?”

nYoo Eun-hye asked with confusion.

nThere was nothing to hide so I spoke the truth.

n“Recently I mastered a lightning skill. I should be able to match the wavelength of that skill with Electric Current. If it works then the trigger of your passive will disappear.”

n“Really? So now you are a lightning skill user! Ah, it is like that. What are you going to do Captain-nim? Will you hold my wrist like in martial arts novels? No. Then there would be no need for you to take me to a place like this.”

nYoo Eun-hye spat out words quickly.

nI stared at Yoo Eun-hye’s face.

n“First of all, take it off.”

n“Oh, so I need to take it off. Take off……”

nYoo Eun-hye suddenly retreated with surprise. She hid her breasts with both hands and glared at me.

n“I’m disappointed, you’ve been so bad Captain-nim!”

n“I don’t know what you are talking about. I’m not interested in your body.”

nIn fact, it was as I said.

nYoo Eun-hye was a beautiful human but she was incomparable to Chrisley. It was the same for her body as well. Chrisley had a superior body.

nOf course, the standards of beauty was different. She had her own charm but I didn’t feel the need to touch her. Let alone the difference in colour. If I wanted something then I could get it anywhere.

nYoo Eun-hye made a perplexed expression.

n“Then why do you want me to take it off?”

n“I need to take a close look at how Electric Current flows outside your body. That way I can distinguish the wavelength. Outside and inside, both sides are needed.”

n“Is that why we entered the valley?”

n“This area is rich in lightning magic power. It is a place where Electric Current can be maximized. Will you take it off now?”

n“I understand. But do I have to take off my underwear?”

n“Underwear can stay. I only need to look at the flow of Electric Current.”

nThere was no need to see the whole thing. Exposing two thirds of her body would be enough to examine the wavelength direction.

nYoo Eun-hye asked doubtfully. She put down the hands covering her breasts.

n“Aish! You really surprised me when you told me to take it off.”

n“You don’t have to worry that I will feel lust towards your body.”

n“Heol…then isn’t Captain-nim blind?”

n“That answer is a joke.”

n‘It isn’t a joke……’ Yoo Eun-hye mumbled. It felt like a toothpick had been mercilessly stabbed into my lungs. But she didn’t do anything. A team member couldn’t question the captain of the raid group!

nYoo Eun-hye glanced at me a few more times before closing her eyes. And she slowly raised her sweatshirt from the bottom.

nSoon her smooth skin was revealed. I could glimpse her ribs and Barbie like breasts.

nShe was wearing white underwear and Yoo Eun-hye proudly placed her hands on her hips.

n“Hmm hmm. Are you enjoying the sight?”

n“It is a pity about your breasts.”

n“…I’ve very sorry! Sorry that my breasts are small! I am still growing! Soon you will be begging to see it!”

nYoo Eun-hye sat down and pretended to cry.

nI pushed Yoo Eun-hye.

nPlop!

n“Fu! Fu! W-what are you doing?”

nYoo Eun-hye who fell into the water strongly protested but I didn’t pay attention.

n“Shut up. I will examine your body.”

n“Huh? Huk!”

nKwajijijik!

nA strong current was flowing through the valley!

nThe electric current flowing in Yoo Eun-hye’s body and the residual energy in the valley combined to show a wide effect.

n“W-what? What is this?”

nYoo Eun-hye’s body shook as she asked with confusion.

n“Just sit still.”

n“Don’t come! Ah, no, Captain-nim! This isn’t a joke! No matter what Captain-nim……”

nI had the Lightning God Technique so I stepped into the river in the valley. And there was no effect as I walked up to Yoo Eun-hye.

nYoo Eun-hye stared at me blankly.

nI said flatly

n“Didn’t I say it? I have a lightning skill.”

n“I-is that right? Great, Captain-nim……”

n“From now on, I will work on matching the wavelengths. Close your eyes and concentrate on the skill.”

n“Loyalty. I will do as you say.”

nYoo Eun-hye instantly relaxed.

nI placed my hand on Yoo Eun-hye’s breast.

n“Huk!”

n“Quiet.”

nYoo Eun-hye bit her lips.

nI moved the power stored from Lightning God Technique into Yoo Eun-hye’s body.

nIt would be easier if Lightning God was awake but right now it was sleeping due to eating all the magic power. I had to do the task by hand.

n‘It isn’t as hard as I thought.’

nWas it because of the Electric Current skill? I could clearly see the direction of Electric Current inside Yoo Eun-hye’s body.

nI followed the direction of Electric Current. It was moving randomly rather than in a cycle.

nThe passive skill couldn’t be controlled but of the direction it was flowing in. It was possible to adjust and correct it to a certain extent.

n“Imagine a faucet. The amount of water released would be adjusted according to each twist so you can control the skill. From now on, remember what I am telling you and how it feels.”

nYoo Eun-hye needed to feel how Electric Current moved.

nThe method of controlling Electric Current was given to her.

nEven the slightest knowledge would cause a wide difference. It was up to Yoo Eun-hye whether she accomplished it or not.

n‘The skill rating might rise.’

nYoo Eun-hye had received the protection of a lightning spirit.

nIt wasn’t impossible to change or raise the rating of the skill.

nI inwardly spurred on the task.

n* * *

n“Looking at the shoulders before attacking. This is correct. The shoulders will move shortly before the weapon is wielded. But looking in the eyes of the opponent is more certain. If you can perceive the subtle differences then victory is yours.”

n“There is clearly a transition point where the opponent will switch between defending and attacking. Identify it. It will be easier to hit.”

n“Linkage. You just need to the right link. If you pull them one by one then you will be able to face a strong opponent.”

nKrasla lectured the people.

nThe members were gathered together while Krasla diagnosed the way they used the weapons.

n“You have short hands. A thick sword like a bastard sword would be suitable.”

n“You lack flexibility in your wrist. This is a fatal weakness for an archer. Shouldn’t you use a crossbow instead?”

n“…Why is a bard holding a dagger? Self-defense? I’d rather you hold a harp. That would be better.”

nHis knowledge was beyond that of Yoo Eun-hye and Lee Ji-hye.

nThe next day, a blacksmith arrived to get the dimensions of the body and custom weapons were produced. The weapons arrived exactly three days later and Krasla’s ruthless sparring was established.

n“Attack all together. You should move according to your particular level. But the conditions are the same. Anybody that manages to hurt me will be excluded from any training!”

nThey couldn’t say no.

nEvery day was a series of hell training where they couldn’t do anything. In addition, there was no possibility of their levels lowering.

nEveryone had fire burning in their eyes as they held their weapons.

nBam! Peok!

nBut there was still a large slamming sound.

nEveryone was sick and tired as they stretched out on the floor while Krasla lectured them.

n“It was good that you read me. However, you responded too fast! This will give the enemy time to judge you.”

n“Kim Chun-won. There is no answer. A total impasse. I might recommend to Master a quick suicide.”

n“A magician has to believe their colleagues! They will act as proper shields so you should freely use your magic. You should trust in them a bit more.”

nThe training continued the next day, the next day and the next day.

nEventually the new members were affected by the heat.

n“It’s a scam! Our levels can’t match you!”

n“We are just punching bags! He just wants to break us!”

n“Hehe. Hehehe!”

nKim Chun-won was half insane. Kim Chun-won’s spirit was becoming increasingly strange as Krasla defeated him. He had been conceited but now he encountered someone much stronger than him.

nOf course, that wasn’t just confined to Kim Chun-won. They were learning how to deal with a very strong opponent.

nNaturally it was hard.

nOnce Krasla pushed them in the lessons, it was then the turn of Captain Randalph Brigsiel.

n“It is electric massage time.”

nThe complexion of the members turned pale. The training was hard but not enough to make them want to die.

nBut the electric massage was different. It was so terrifying that they really feared death! Just thinking about it made them want to die!

nThe electric massage could be called a hell massage. Kim Chun-won had the bad luck to be the first target.

n“Just relax.”

nThe most terrible words came from the mouth of the commander.

nRelax by going to the afterlife?

nKim Chun-won felt an instinctive fear and turned to run but Krasla appeared out of nowhere and grabbed him. Kim Chun-won grudgingly had to give up.

nIn fact, the electric massage itself wasn’t a big deal. It felt like power was inserted into the body to relieve the muscles.

nBut the problem was the pain before that started.

n“Grrrrrr!”

nKim Chun-won bit his lip and didn’t make a sound.

nThe captain finally let go.

n“It is strange since it took longer than usual.”

nBut that ended instantly.

n“Next.”

nThere was no one who would volunteer. They were too busy looking at each other.

nKim Chun-won thought bleakly about their future.

nThey were like new, laboratory mice caught in a cage. A hole to escape out of didn’t exist.

nHowever, there was one exception. One person had no worries.

nIt was Yoo Eun-hye.

n“Ah, cool!”

nOnly she was free from the harmful electric massage. It was due to her lightning skill.

nEyes followed her with envy and jealousy.

nYoo Eun-hye just laughed awkwardly at them.

nThus the short and long 3 weeks passed by quickly.

n* * *

nToday was the last day of training.

nThere was an excited mood. They were finally free from the hell training so there was a bright smile on their faces.

nAnd I finally had the time to check the system.

nI opened up Mind’s Eye to look at the status window.

nI first looked at Yoo Eun-hye.

nName: Yoo Eun-hye

nOccupation Hero (Lightning Magician) Title * Dozen Lightning Strikes (R, Magic 4)

nStats

nStrength 28 Intelligence 56

nAgility 26 Stamina 25

nMagic Power 55 ( 4)

nPotential: (190 4

/423)

n

nUniqueness: Has received the protection of the spirit of lightning. A state received after being hit by lightning and standing on the door between life and death.

nSkill: Lightning Bolt (Ex N), Electric Current (R, Passive)

nBefore and After Comparison

nStrength 20 Intelligence 44 Agility 15 Stamina 14 Magic 49 Potential (138 ( 4

/423)

nStrength 28 Intelligence 56 Agility 26 Stamina 25 Magic 59 Potential (190 ( 4)

/ 423)

nOnly a few months. There was a remarkable growth compared to the first status window I saw.

nFurthermore, the rating of Electric Current and Lightning Bolt had risen. Especially in the case of the passive with the power efficiency was strengthened.

nI turned my head and checked Lee Ji-hye this time.

nShe also showed significant growth.

nName: Lee Ji-hye

nOccupation Hero (Water Magician) Title None

nStats

nStrength 24 Intelligence 44

nAgility 23 Stamina 29

nMagic Power 48

nPotential: (168 277)

n

nUniqueness: None

nSkill: Water Sphere (N)

nBefore and After Comparison

nStrength 22 Intelligence 41 Agility 18 Stamina 26 Magic 35 Potential (142

/277)

nStrength 24 Intelligence 44 Agility 23 Stamina 29 Magic 48 Potential (168

/277)

nIt was fairly steep compared to when I first met her in the dungeon. It was good growth considering her low potential.

nIn addition, the four new members showed a satisfactory growth for only 3 weeks. Their physical abilities had increased from 3~8.

nBut it wasn’t simply their stats that had risen. They learned the basic foundation behind using their weapons. They were absolutely different from before.

nAll of them looked confident.

nThey might have wept for 3 weeks but there was no comparison for before.

n‘I think they are ready.’

nRanking competition, Heaven’s Will!

nFinally my group was perfectly equipped.

n‘These guys should be properly listed on the roster.’

nI would eat those people from Heaven’s Will.

nDevil Hunters would bite those fellows.

nOf course, I hadn’t forgotten.

nThe names on the list that Kim Yong-woo gave me.

nI would sweep them up in the ranking competition……

nI faintly smiled.

nTaking care of it with my own hands?

nI looked forward to the ranking competition in a few days.

n