Chapter 29

“Special training?”

“Yeah.”

Sitting on a bench along the academy’s walking path while talking with Han Seoa, I recalled an event from the original story at that familiar keyword.

‘Power-up event before entering Story Chapter 2.’

Invited by Baek Eunseo, a member of the Three Great Noble Families, Yoo Haon and his group leave the academy during vacation for training.

Since they were the supporting cast in the original, Han Seoa, who was acquainted with Yoo Haon, was also invited there.

“That’s good.”

Han Seoa had seemed rather troubled lately due to the Yeongwoldo incident. While it was hard to say she was responsible for the incident, she wasn’t entirely unrelated either.

She probably couldn’t easily shake off her own sense of guilt and indebtedness.

Originally, Han Seoa wouldn’t have fallen into such anguish, so my own mind had been unsettled too.

‘If you think about it, she became the target in my place.’

She seemed to have shaken off some of her worries after the meeting with the dean, but combining mood refreshment with training wouldn’t be bad either.

To me, who expressed a positive intention, Han Seoa shyly asked.

“…Oppa, will you come too? Haon said he’d like it.”

“Me?”

At those words, I began organizing my thoughts internally.

‘Yoo Haon’s group gets caught up in an incident around the time their training there is ending.’

Sorisoe, a specter rated B+ rank considering its special abilities, though its inherent power isn’t that great.

As their training nears completion, Yoo Haon’s group clashes with Sorisoe, which has completely subjugated a village, while assisting dispatched exorcists.

But that wasn’t something happening right away. Since training comes first, there’s actually quite a bit of time.

So, I left an ambiguous reply.

“Even if I go, I probably won’t be able to join right away.”

“Really?”

She didn’t show it, but Han Seoa’s expression seemed quite disappointed.

“But if I have time later, I’ll drop by for a visit.”

“Ah, okay. Got it.”

Clearly, she must have many questions for me, yet Han Seoa hadn’t asked anything all this time.

Maybe she was being considerate in her own way, or perhaps she thought she shouldn’t ask those things.

While exchanging trivial talk with Han Seoa, I read through the trait information I had already checked several times.

‘Appraisal.’

Ding.

【Han Seoa】

▶Level 31

▶Stats

【Stamina : A+】

【Spiritual Power : B-】

【Art Formula : B】

【Mental Strength : B+】

▶Traits (5/10)

【Companion(S)】

【Late Bloomer(S)】

【Growth Acceleration(B)】

【Grapple Combat(B-)】

【Composure(C+)】

‘…I didn’t expect the Unidentified Trait to unlock at this timing.’

Originally, Han Seoa’s Unidentified Trait, Companion, was a trait she obtained after some story progression following the Yeongwoldo incident, getting involved with Yoo Haon.

Its effect was simple and clear.

Ding.

【Companion(S)】

▶ Establishes a mutually complementary relationship with the designated target. The degree varies based on the distance between them.

• Linked Target : Han Kangyoon

‘The performance is the same. However, the target…’

It’s me, not Yoo Haon, the original protagonist.

It was bewildering, but honestly, I didn’t feel bad about it.

The person who becomes the target of the trait gains a magical link connecting them to Han Seoa, and they stimulate and influence each other.

For example, if one grows rapidly, the other is also affected, or when fighting together, they receive plus corrections to each other’s lacking stats.

‘A trait with no downsides.’

The key point of the Companion trait was that its effects manifested only through positive aspects. A cheat-like trait that brings only returns with no real risks. Definitely worthy of an S-Rank.

‘And it’s important that the trait’s owner is Han Seoa.’

Han Seoa possesses another S-Rank trait. Namely, ‘Late Bloomer’.

‘An effect that adds more correction to experience gain as higher levels are reached.’

In other words, Han Seoa can grow faster than others, at least in terms of the numerical value called Level. In fact, in the original, she was the first to reach Level 50, considered the benchmark for a strong individual.

‘Naturally, the target of the Companion trait is also affected by that.’

In short, the current Han Seoa is, for me, no different from a walking growth accelerant and buff totem.

‘Originally, Yoo Haon would have received that effect and used it as fuel for explosive growth…’

Things are already going strangely awry.

But there’s no helping it. Adapting and responding to change is precisely what I must do now.

“…Then, see you later.”

“Yeah.”

Having reaffirmed my resolve once more, I left the spot following Han Seoa’s farewell.

After parting with Han Seoa. I immediately went to find Seo Jian.

It was to seek cooperation for the success of the plan I intended to execute during the Guard Unit practical.

But.

“…Sorry. Something urgent came up.”

Leaving only those words, Seo Jian disappeared from the academy even before vacation started. It was a very perplexing matter.

‘Was there such a mention in the main story?’

Since she was a character in the story who didn’t have that much significant contact with the original party, I couldn’t know what the circumstances were either.

‘Troublesome.’

In the originally conceived plan, Seo Jian was absolutely necessary.

Because the target I was aiming for was none other than the ‘Fire’ Dokkaebi.

If Seo Jian wasn’t possible, I at least needed to secure other forces that could help.

Only one person came to mind immediately.

“Guard Unit practical?”

Upon hearing my proposal, Cheong Joohwa pondered repeatedly with a subtle expression.

And then she indicated her willingness to agree.

“Well, I don’t mind.”

With this, I secured a substitute. Considering elemental compatibility, there was no more suitable candidate than Seo Jian, but probably, barring any special variables, Cheong Joohwa’s help would be sufficient.

After parting with her, I asked students for directions and headed toward the first-year training building where Yoo Haon was said to be.

Before vacation officially began, there was something I absolutely had to convey.

“…It’s been a while.”

Excluding the time we met for the incident statement after the Yeongwoldo incident, this was our first meeting.

Yoo Haon greeted me with a face full of some deep concern.

“I heard. That you eliminated the 2nd-year A-Rank class in the first exam.”

“Got lucky.”

“…I know that’s not something possible with just luck, you know?”

It was quite a generous evaluation, but from a player’s perspective, my thoughts remained unchanged.

I merely had the advantage of an excellent ally in Cheong Joohwa and prior information; it wasn’t a victory I earned through particular excellence.

“I did get first place in the first exam, but that was just the class’s victory.”

“……”

“Moreover, I wasn’t much help during the attack either. For someone aspiring to be an exorcist.”

It seemed Yoo Haon had lost considerable confidence due to the confrontation with Bihyeong.

Of course, it wasn’t an incomprehensible thing. Bihyeong is one of the strong individuals of the current era, exceeding Level 60. No matter how talented a prospect, he’s simply not on that level from the start.

Having faced him head-on and nearly died, the shock from that time must still remain intact somewhere in her heart.

“If the same situation comes again, would it be different then?”

A normal reaction.

Anyone could feel that way.

But, Yoo Haon must not.

It might sound cruel, but it was an undeniable fact.

The formidable enemies Yoo Haon would face in the future, each one was never inferior to Bihyeong.

Even Sorisoe, whom she would soon engage in a fierce battle with, was like that. In some ways, it might even be a more difficult opponent than Bihyeong, who didn’t use his full power properly.

‘But she must overcome it.’

If Yoo Haon, the protagonist, doesn’t oppose them, who else will fill that role?

Maybe not immediately, but eventually, starting from that vacancy, everything would begin to crumble.

‘Originally, there’s no need to be this despondent.’

Yoo Haon is the protagonist.

In terms of talent, that meaning is absolutely not small.

Swish.

“Take it.”

I took something out from my pocket and handed it to Yoo Haon, who wore a gloomy expression.

It was one of the spiritual elixirs I obtained earlier through Cheong Soha, Cloud Carved Water.

“…What is this?”

Yoo Haon expressed bewilderment at the suddenly presented luxurious jade bottle.

Without hesitation, I placed it directly into her arms.

“A spiritual elixir that suits you.”

“A spiritual elixir?”

Startled, Yoo Haon briefly scanned it and immediately tried to hand it back to me.

“…I can’t accept something like this.”

“If you don’t take it, I’ll just throw it away.”

“Please don’t make jokes that aren’t funny.”

“I’m serious.”

It was truly the case.

Originally, Cloud Carved Water was something utterly useless for me to have.

‘Appraisal.’

Ding!

【Cloud Carved Water】

▶ Water containing the energy of the heavens, possesses an excellent growth promotion effect.

Judging by the description alone, it seems like a precious spiritual elixir effective for anyone, but Cloud Carved Water actually has one characteristic.

‘It discriminates among people, you see.’

It works better on women than men. And its effect is even better when consumed by someone with four or more traits.

Also.

‘The higher the growth limit, the exponentially better the effect.’

Therefore, I could confidently say it perfectly matched Yoo Haon, who had a Limit Breakthrough Trait.

Truly, the highest-grade spiritual elixir meant to bless a heaven-sent talent, that was Cloud Carved Water.

“If I take this, it’ll have no meaning whatsoever.”

“Why?”

“To properly see effects, there are many conditions like potential and others to consider.”

Yoo Haon’s expression subtly changed upon hearing that. She seemed somewhat dissatisfied, and somehow seemed to feel inferiority.

“…That sounds a bit strange.”

“……”

“Clearly, using it yourself would be better.”

As expected, the current Yoo Haon’s self-esteem was lower than expected.

“No, it’s useless.”

“How can you assert that…”

“Of course I know.”

Cutting off Yoo Haon’s words, spoken somewhat sharply, I threw out a concise answer.

“…Because I’ve already taken it before.”

Thanks to using it several times in the game, I could recite Cloud Carved Water’s efficacy blindfolded. I could confidently say it wouldn’t be very effective for me.

Considering its special effects, Cloud Carved Water was practically made for Yoo Haon.

“If there’s a chance for growth, it’s better to seize it.”

Since I had already decided to give it to her anyway, I pushed the momentum, forced a conclusion, and quickly began to leave the spot.

From Yoo Haon’s expression staring at my retreating back, somehow, pity seemed to be visible.

“Huh? A trainee?”

Cheongdam 2nd Guard Unit.

In that place, brightly lit until late hours even today, a conversation filled with doubt echoed.

“That’s what they said.”

“Suddenly why? Usually, unless it’s a special case, people don’t come here much.”

“This time is that special case, I guess.”

“Of all times, during a period like this…”

As said by Seo Jihye, a 3rd-Rank exorcist and one of the Guard Unit members, the current situation here wasn’t something that could be viewed as good.

“We’re busy, no time to instruct and look after them. Lately, the atmosphere with the 1st Guard Unit isn’t good either.”

“What can we do? Looks like there’s something with the higher-ups. If they say jump, we just ask how high.”

It’s not that a particularly urgent situation occurred.

But recently, the Seoul area has been suffering quite a headache due to frequent specter appearances. Combined with factional strife, competition between units is intensifying.

So, a sudden uninvited guest couldn’t be welcome.

“If work gets disrupted, it’ll be a headache, so you take charge and show them around for a while. Leave other tasks to your seniors for now.”

“…Yes, ma’am.”

Naturally, such matters fall solely to the youngest, Seo Jihye. Knowing the importance of her seniors’ roles during this period, she accepted it without particular objection.

‘But, that’s that and this is this.’

What era is this, to push work arbitrarily just because you have some connections above?

Since things have come to this, I’ll work them hard and make them realize the harshness of reality, thought Seo Jihye, the youngest of the Guard Unit.

She couldn’t even imagine that the student who would arrive from now, though it’s a story from a game, was a veteran who had been through the wringer in a Guard Unit somewhere on another Earth.