Chapter 41-42: Group Training

Exactly one week after the audition.

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

‘There is a wide a.s.sortment in the group.’

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

Four of them were new. They were new hires who pa.s.sed the recruitment.

There 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.

All 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.

This wasn’t a bad thing for them either.

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

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

A bard with a t.i.tle regarding cursing.

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

“Come.”

But I didn’t answer and shook my head.

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

I would win the championship with an a.s.sortment of people.

Furthermore, 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.

If 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.

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

“Captain-nim!”

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

Yoo Eun-hye and Lee Ji-hye.

At 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.

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

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

Jjirak! Jjirak!

I could feel electric currents. Yoo Eun-hye’s pa.s.sive was triggered.

Now it didn’t even tickle me. I had the Lightning G.o.d Technique. Although Lightning G.o.d was sleeping, the power was still dwelling inside my body.

Yoo Eun-hye’s pa.s.sive output wasn’t higher than the power in my blood.

“I knew you were alive!”

Yoo Eun-hye wiped her eyes on my suit.

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

“Welcome back.”

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

“How have you been doing?”

“Well.”

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

The eight people needed to gather power.

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

*     *     *

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

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

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

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

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

Kim Chun-won quivered and made a fuss.

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

After the turmoil subsided, I said coldly.

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

Yoo 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……

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

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

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

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

One of the new hires frowned like he was chewing s.h.i.t.

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

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

Complaints poured out from the new hires.

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

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

The new hires stared dumbly.

I talked with a cold smile.

“However, you can’t just partic.i.p.ate 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.”

The inside of the cafe was quiet.

“It won’t be that.”

I sipped an Americano while enjoying the aroma.

They had decided to partic.i.p.ate but there was no hurry.

It was enough if only Krasla and I partic.i.p.ated. 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.

I put down my cup.

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

“Captain-nim. Can you roughly describe the ranking compet.i.tion?”

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

“The ranking compet.i.tion 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 compet.i.tion isn’t just limited to Heaven’s Will. Famous guilds will be partic.i.p.ated so this will have an influence on the future rating of the Awakened in South Korea.”

Gulp!

The expressions of the new recruits changed. It was the first time they heard about the ranking compet.i.tion involving other famous guilds.

“…We will unconditionally win.”

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

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

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

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

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

Krasla spoke for the first time.

The 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.

“Wah! You have an amazing voice!”

Yoo Eun-hye spoke her honest opinion.

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

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

Kim Chun-won shrugged.

Krasla 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.

I just laughed.

“You will see tomorrow.”

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

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

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

But my ears could already hear their screams.

*     *     *

A pension in Ganwong-do, Chuncheon.

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

Everyone cried out ‘Wow!’ from the clean air and vast nature as they slept overnight. But that good time pa.s.sed quickly.

The moment they changed into comfortable clothes, their h.e.l.l began.

Krasla greeted the new members while holding a red spear!

He said with no expression.

“Bring out your weapons.”

“What did you say?”

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

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

“You! What a ridiculous guy.”

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

Of course, Krasla was still expressionless.

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

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

“You c.o.c.ky b.a.s.t.a.r.d! I will kill you, you f.u.c.ker!”

He sliced all around the upper body!

Kim Chun-won used the momentum.

His 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.

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

Ppak!

“Keheok!”

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

“Don’t get excited……”

Lee Ji-hye sighed.

Krasla moved fiercely like a hurricane.

“Get ready everyone! Water Sphere!”

Chwahak!

Her occupation was a water magician.

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

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

Ppak! Ppak! Ppak!

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

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

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

“I surrender.”

At the same time, there was one person missing.

‘She is needed. Where has she gone?’

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

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

“You can’t do that!”

*     *     *

At the same time.

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

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

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

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

Right now she couldn’t control the pa.s.sive skill ‘Electric Current (N)’. I wondered if it was possible with the Lightning G.o.d Technique.

Additionally, the valley was very rich in lightning attribute.

Usually 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.

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

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

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

Yoo Eun-hye smiled and playfully asked.

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

I spoke like it wasn’t a big deal.

“From now on, you will see your pa.s.sive skill Electric Current.”

“I have a pa.s.sive skill?”

Yoo Eun-hye asked with confusion.

There was nothing to hide so I spoke the truth.

“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 pa.s.sive will disappear.”

“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.”

Yoo Eun-hye spat out words quickly.

I stared at Yoo Eun-hye’s face.

“First of all, take it off.”

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

Yoo Eun-hye suddenly retreated with surprise. She hid her b.r.e.a.s.t.s with both hands and glared at me.

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

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

In fact, it was as I said.

Yoo 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.

Of 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.

Yoo Eun-hye made a perplexed expression.

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

“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.”

“Is that why we entered the valley?”

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

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

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

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

Yoo Eun-hye asked doubtfully. She put down the hands covering her b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

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

“You don’t have to worry that I will feel l.u.s.t towards your body.”

“Heol…then isn’t Captain-nim blind?”

“That answer is a joke.”

‘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!

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

Soon her smooth skin was revealed. I could glimpse her ribs and Barbie like b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

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

“Hmm hmm. Are you enjoying the sight?”

“It is a pity about your b.r.e.a.s.t.s.”

“…I’ve very sorry! Sorry that my b.r.e.a.s.t.s are small! I am still growing! Soon you will be begging to see it!”

Yoo Eun-hye sat down and pretended to cry.

I pushed Yoo Eun-hye.

Plop!

“Fu! Fu! W-what are you doing?”

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

“Shut up. I will examine your body.”

“Huh? Huk!”

Kwajijijik!

A strong current was flowing through the valley!

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

“W-what? What is this?”

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

“Just sit still.”

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

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

Yoo Eun-hye stared at me blankly.

I said flatly

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

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

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

“Loyalty. I will do as you say.”

Yoo Eun-hye instantly relaxed.

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

“Huk!”

“Quiet.”

Yoo Eun-hye bit her lips.

I moved the power stored from Lightning G.o.d Technique into Yoo Eun-hye’s body.

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

‘It isn’t as hard as I thought.’

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

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

The pa.s.sive 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.

“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.”

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

The method of controlling Electric Current was given to her.

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

‘The skill rating might rise.’

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

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

I inwardly spurred on the task.

*     *     *

“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.”

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

“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.”

Krasla lectured the people.

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

“You have short hands. A thick sword like a b.a.s.t.a.r.d sword would be suitable.”

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

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

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

The 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.

“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!”

They couldn’t say no.

Every day was a series of h.e.l.l training where they couldn’t do anything. In addition, there was no possibility of their levels lowering.

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

Bam! Peok!

But there was still a large slamming sound.

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

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

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

“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.”

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

Eventually the new members were affected by the heat.

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

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

“Hehe. Hehehe!”

Kim 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.

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

Naturally it was hard.

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

“It is electric ma.s.sage time.”

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

But the electric ma.s.sage was different. It was so terrifying that they really feared death! Just thinking about it made them want to die!

The electric ma.s.sage could be called a h.e.l.l ma.s.sage. Kim Chun-won had the bad luck to be the first target.

“Just relax.”

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

Relax by going to the afterlife?

Kim 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.

In fact, the electric ma.s.sage itself wasn’t a big deal. It felt like power was inserted into the body to relieve the muscles.

But the problem was the pain before that started.

“Grrrrrr!”

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

The captain finally let go.

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

But that ended instantly.

“Next.”

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

Kim Chun-won thought bleakly about their future.

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

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

It was Yoo Eun-hye.

“Ah, cool!”

Only she was free from the harmful electric ma.s.sage. It was due to her lightning skill.

Eyes followed her with envy and jealousy.

Yoo Eun-hye just laughed awkwardly at them.

Thus the short and long 3 weeks pa.s.sed by quickly.

*     *     *

Today was the last day of training.

There was an excited mood. They were finally free from the h.e.l.l training so there was a bright smile on their faces.

And I finally had the time to check the system.

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

I first looked at Yoo Eun-hye.

Uniqueness: 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.

Skill: Lightning Bolt (Ex N), Electric Current (R, Pa.s.sive)

 [Before and After Comparison]

Strength 20 Intelligence 44 Agility 15 Stamina 14 Magic 49 Potential (138 (+4/423)

Strength 28 Intelligence 56 Agility 26 Stamina 25 Magic 59 Potential (190 (+4)/ 423)

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

Furthermore, the rating of Electric Current and Lightning Bolt had risen. Especially in the case of the pa.s.sive with the power efficiency was strengthened.

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

She also showed significant growth.

Uniqueness: None

Skill: Water Sphere (N)

 [Before and After Comparison]

Strength 22 Intelligence 41 Agility 18 Stamina 26 Magic 35 Potential (142/277)

Strength 24 Intelligence 44 Agility 23 Stamina 29 Magic 48 Potential (168/277)

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

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

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

All of them looked confident.

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

‘I think they are ready.’

Ranking compet.i.tion, Heaven’s Will!

Finally my group was perfectly equipped.

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

I would eat those people from Heaven’s Will.

Devil Hunters would bite those fellows.

Of course, I hadn’t forgotten.

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

I would sweep them up in the ranking compet.i.tion……

I faintly smiled.

Taking care of it with my own hands?

I looked forward to the ranking compet.i.tion in a few days.